As the violent conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, Nigerians caught in the crossfire are pleading for urgent help while taking refuge in underground bomb shelters. Many of them have criticized the Nigerian government for its slow response, especially as other nations have already begun evacuating their citizens.
Rising Death Toll
Since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion last Friday, over 260 people—including 70 women and children—have been killed. The offensive targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites, including eastern Tehran and cities like Tabriz. High-ranking Iranian commanders, including General Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC leader Hossein Salami, were reportedly killed.
Iran retaliated on June 13 with a massive missile strike on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, home to the Nigerian embassy.
Voices from Underground
Nigerians residing in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem told Saturday PUNCH that they have been living in fear, hiding in military-provided shelters.
“We are in an Israeli bomb shelter. I can’t take calls,” wrote Tel Aviv resident Ekene Abaka in a brief Facebook message.
A Nigerian software engineer in Jerusalem, speaking anonymously, said, “The Nigerian embassy in Tel Aviv has shut down. We’re left to fend for ourselves. Most Nigerians here are in danger and have no support.”
Footage shared on Travels Vlog, a Facebook page for Nigerians in the Middle East, showed panicked residents fleeing toward bomb shelters during a missile warning. In one instance, a group discovered a shelter was locked and had to search for another as sirens blared overhead.
According to Solomon, the vlog host, “We usually get a government text alert about incoming missiles roughly 10 minutes in advance, followed by an alarm. That’s when panic begins.”
Global Evacuations Begin
At least 12 countries have already moved their citizens out of the region. Germany evacuated 64 people, while Greece flew out over 100. China removed over 1,600 from Iran and several hundred from Israel. The United States has also announced air and sea evacuations.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv are actively working to rescue over 1,000 stranded nationals. However, no evacuation had occurred as of Thursday night.
A woman named Hope Omobeauty told Travels Vlog, “My relatives in Israel are trying to leave, but there’s no way out.”
Economic Impact and Embassy Criticism
With Israeli cities under lockdown, schools, markets, and workplaces have closed, severely affecting the livelihood of Nigerians.
“In Israel, we pay rent monthly and earn wages hourly. Now everything’s shut, and we can’t earn. People can’t pay rent or feed their kids,” said a Nigerian resident.
He criticized the Nigerian embassy for its lack of welfare support, stating, “All they do is issue visas and attend diplomatic meetings. For everyday Nigerians, they do nothing.”
Evacuation Efforts Delayed by Border Clearance
According to Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Nigerian embassy in Iran has arranged transport to Yerevan, Armenia, where evacuees will be flown to Nigeria. However, final clearance from Armenia’s government is still pending.
“We’re waiting for Armenia’s approval to begin the movement. Bus companies are on standby, and evacuees have been listed with the Iranian government to avoid delays at the border,” Ebienfa said.
He urged Nigerians to stay in safe areas and remain alert for evacuation messages.
