A civil society group, the Nigerian Diaspora Youth Ambassador, has asked the Nigerian government to cut diplomatic ties with Northern Cyprus over the ill-treatment of Nigerian students in various universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
This was contained in a statement by the NDYA President, David Alozie, in Abuja on Friday.
Alozie said the group had confirmed cases of deportation of students without a just cause, and called on the Nigerian government to add the universities to the list of institutions promoting racial segregation, adding that despite efforts to reach the authorities, over 20 students had been deported without cause in the last 24 hours.
“In light of the full consciousness of humanity and justice, we wish to draw to the notice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government, NIDCOM and Nigerians in general, of the inhuman treatment meted out against Nigerian students in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
“We have written to the authorities before now but our efforts are nipped in the bud have failed. Currently we are left with no option than to expose these institutions causing havoc to our people.
“We implore the Nigerian government to cut bilateral relationships with Northern Cyprus, if that is the next available alternative. Just within the last 24 hours, more than 20 Nigerian students were deported and left frustrated. Reasons were not given as to why it was so”.
Alozie admitted that despite warnings by the FG against students attending the universities, the institutions continued to lure students.
He further stated that there were confirmed cases of “Multiple taxation, high rents, hard labour and sheer wickedness”, while calling for immediate compensation for the deported students.
“We have confirmed persistent deportation of Nigerians by Northern Cyprus Immigration authorities as well as harsh treatment they suffer in schools and streets of Cyprus. These young ones are punished for obviously nothing. No charges, no offence and no allegations. The deportation is now a recurrent exercise such that these young minds are forced to come home empty handed with nothing to hold on unto.
There are also cases of racial segregation in the streets and homes of Nigerian youths in Northern Cyprus. At the borders they are pushed home on the unverified reports of fake documents”.
We also implore the Nigerian government to… push for immediate compensation of those deported and give their lives meaning once again. We believe that when these are done, we shall meet up with global peace, equity, justice and transparency”.
