Video Report: Nigerians in Tehran Allegedly Abandoned By Embassy Officials, FG Counters Claims of Abandonment

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

A viral video recorded by Nigerians in Tehran, Iran, alleging that officials of the Nigerian Embassy have locked up the facility, fled and abandoned Nigerians to their fate has sparked outrage online as netizens call out the Federal Government.

In the viral video sighted by OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News, a Nigerian male adult whose audible voice could be heard, complained bitterly about the absence of Embassy staff at the embassy, showing the emblems of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the frontage of the Embassy.

He turned the camera around the building, capturing the sight of a few Nigerians who were standing opposite the Embassy building, claiming that other Nigerians had just left when they saw their helplessness amid the growing tension in Tehran from where, other countries are already evacuating their citizens.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has debunked the reported claim that Nigeria has abandoned citizens in Tehran, Iran to their fate as Israeli bombs continue to drop.

A statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa reads that, “The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to misleading and unfounded reports circulating on social media and certain news platforms that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran, Iran, has abandoned Nigerian nationals and departed the country due to the ongoing crisis.

The Ministry categorically debunks these allegations and assures the public, particularly Nigerian citizens in Iran, that the Embassy of Nigeria in Tehran remains operational and committed to the welfare and safety of all Nigerian nationals in Iran. The consistent bombing in Tehran has, however, disrupted normal work schedules and forced staff to work remotely.”

The statement added that: “Given this unfortunate development, the Embassy is actively engaging with the Government of Armenia to grant access for the evacuation of Nigerians via Yerevan.

Moreover, Nigerians in Iran who require assistance are encouraged to contact the Embassy directly through its official emergency contacts: Mr. Esson Anzaku +989393216872 and Abutalib +989024199018 ‪+989393216872, and emails: Nigeria.tehran@mfa.gov.ng, anzakuesson02@gmail.com and lawshed@yahoo.com.”

The statement added that: “Nigerians in Iran are also advised to contact the various designated coordinators of the Nigerian Community in these three locations as earlier arranged.

Furthermore, "The Embassy has also advised members of the Nigerian Community to download the Iranian local messaging app, eitaa, and join the Nigerian group for regular updates.”

In all, the statement assured that, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of Nigerians worldwide.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has maintained thar it was awaiting border clearance to rescue over 1,000 Nigerians in the warring countries.

The spokesperson of the Foreign Affairs Monistry stated that Nigerian Embassy officials were in close talks with Armenian authorities to finalise the movement of evacuees across the Iran-Armenia border.

While bus transport has been secured, approval from Armenia to allow Nigerians to cross the border is still pending.

"All hands are on deck to get permission, including for transit and final airlifting to Abuja from Yerevan, Armenia,” he assured.