The House of Representatives has called the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately provide a safe corridor for the evacuation of all Nigerians and other nationals, particularly those trapped in Sumy, Ukraine, in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine hostilities, in line with the Geneva Convention and other international protocol.

This coming following the motion sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Tolupe Akande-Fadipe at Tuesday’s plenary.

Taking the floor and addressing the assembly, Hon. Okechukwu said that the need for an immediate evacuation of our people, particularly students cannot be over emphasized, saying “Each time you listen to gory situation of Nigerian students being interviewed on television, you cannot control your emotions.

“These are students who went to study without having to imagine that they will be under such temperature, they are running out of supplies, and by practice and convention, countries who are at war and have any war advantage should ordinarily provide a corridor for people who are not combatant, and in this instance, students.

“So the need for the Russian federation and government of Ukraine to provide a corridor for these people who are under the basement and hiding in bunkers is very important.

“About three days ago I had a brief with the chairman of foreign affairs where he told me that there was a tripartite agreement, pushed by the house between the Russian federation, Ukraine, and the United Nations but that agreement was observed in breech, and that is against the free passage of our citizens and that of other nationals”, he said.

The house, in response to the motion urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “interface with, compile and furnish the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria as well as the Russian Foreign Ministry with a full data of all Nigerians in Ukraine”.

It urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, and relevant government agencies to immediately take diplomatic action with Ukrainian authorities to extend humanitarian needs and exit opportunities to Nigerians, including students trapped in the war-torn area of Sumy.

“The House notes with concern the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, and its attendant effects and implication for Nigerians living in the area.

“Also notes that considering the current war situation in Ukraine, particularly in Sumy and other parts of the war zone, it is plausible to state that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Agencies intensify efforts on diplomatic action to ensure that humanitarian needs are extended to Nigerians, especially Students who are stranded in Sumy to enable them exit the country.

“Further notes that there is limited availability of transportation in the affected areas to evacuate those trapped in Sumy.

“Also aware that while Nigerian citizens have been fleeing Ukraine for their safety, Nigerian students, particularly those who are studying medicine in the Sumy state University are however caged, not having the opportunities of exiting Sumy, as  Sumy is located close to the Russian border and the bridges and train tracks have been blown by Russian forces.

“Concerned that this situation has put these Nigerian citizens is grave harms way and also exposed them freezing temperatures, harsh and life threatening conditions, and causing death.

“Also aware of over the 300 Nigerian students in Sumy, Ukraine that could not be evacuated despite a tripartite agreement among the Russian Federation, the United Nations, and the Government of Ukraine.

“Further aware that these Nigerians are facing very horrible condition with diminishing food supply, electricity outages, lack of water and other basic needs.

“Worried that that the most recent harrowing experience involved where a bus carrying some students was escorted back to Sumy, when they had already travelled 50km close to a neighboring city and now the hostels are being guarded by Ukraine soldiers who are preventing them from leaving Ukraine.

“Conscious of the provisions of the Geneva Convention regarding civilians, prisoners of war (POWs) and soldiers who are otherwise rendered hors de combat (incapable of fighting).

“The House, therefore, on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately provide a safe corridor for the evacuation of all Nigerians and other nationals, particularly those trapped in Sumy, Ukraine”, the motion read in part.