The Federal Government of Nigeria has advised its citizens against travelling to the State of Northern Cyprus, citing the human right abuses many Nigerians suffer in the country.
The Director General of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this on Thursday at the weekly ministerial briefing arranged by the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Think twice before going to Northern Cyprus. We can’t do much for Nigerians there. Our students are being killed daily,” Ms Dabiri-Erewa said. “Some people will tell you that their destinies are abroad but if you want to go, go legally.”
The Director also warned that Northern Cyprus, only recognised by Turkiye, does not have the structure that would allow the federal government to seek justice for the many Nigerians that have been killed in the de facto state.
This announcement came about a month after Turkish-based rights group and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) expressed concerns over the mass trafficking of Nigerian youths, mostly females, to Northern Cyprus under the guise of educational scholarships.
“There is absolutely no legal framework that protects and assists human trafficking victims and there is no shelter. Hence, victims are often exploited for months with no access to law enforcement. Even in rare cases they are rescued, they are left with no assistance and protection from the authorities,” the statement said.
