President Bola Tinubu’s government Wednesday called on all Nigerians residing in Lebanon to leave the middle east country following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah militants.
This call was made in a statement released by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM. The government said Nigerians should leave now that there were still commercials flights available.
“Worried by the attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by the Israeli government, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission is hereby advising Nigerians resident in Lebanon to consider moving out of the country now that commercial flights are still in operation,’ said the statement signed by NIDCOM spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
“Nigerians are equally advised to liaise with our Embassy in Lebanon for necessary guidance regarding their safety and rest assured that their welfare and safety is of utmost concern to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Israel says eight of its soldiers have been killed in combat in south Lebanon as its forces thrust into its northern Neighbour in a campaign against the Hezbollah armed group.
The losses were the deadliest suffered by the Israeli military on the Lebanon front in the past year of border-area clashes between Israel and its Iranian-aligned Lebanese foe.
Hezbollah said its fighters were engaging Israeli forces inside Lebanon on Wednesday, reporting ground clashes for the first time since Israeli forces pushed over the border.
Hezbollah said it had destroyed three Israeli Merkava tanks with rockets near the border town of Maroun El Ras.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah based in Lebanon and supported by Iran reached a fever pitch after Israeli bombardments eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Iran launched 200 missile attacks on Israel Tuesday. Israeli has vowed to retaliate.