Nigerians Fleeing in Thousands: Over 400,000 Stranded in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon
The harsh economic realities in Nigeria have pushed over 400,000 Nigerians to seek refuge in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, sparking concerns over mass migration.
Mallam Sabiu Ibrahim, an educationist from Katsina, painted a grim picture of the situation, warning of potential unrest if the government fails to act swiftly.
“The situation is getting worse daily. People are hungry and desperate. If nothing is done, the consequences could be disastrous,” he lamented.
The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, revealed this alarming statistic during a recent meeting in Abuja.
Why Are Nigerians Fleeing?
Several factors contribute to this crisis:
- Hunger and Starvation: Rising food prices have made basic necessities unaffordable.
- Insecurity: Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks have made some communities unlivable.
- Economic Hardship: Many Nigerians believe opportunities are better outside the country.
In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum recently facilitated the repatriation of 3,000 refugees from Chad. Officials now plan to continue repatriation efforts, with hopes of returning more Nigerians in the coming weeks.
A Growing Crisis
This is not the first time such a mass exodus has been reported. Last year, a viral video showed about 40,000 Nigerians crossing into Niger Republic in search of safety and survival.
Despite Nigeria’s vast natural resources, many citizens find themselves forced to flee. Middle Belt Forum President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, described the situation as a direct reflection of the country’s economic struggles.
“There are already hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. This is just a confirmation of what we already know,” he stated.
Calls for Government Action
Experts warn that if the government does not act swiftly, the situation could spiral further out of control.
Osita Osemene, a migration expert, urged the Nigerian government to fix the economy and improve security, emphasizing that the only real solution is making Nigeria a place where people want to stay.
“People are not just leaving for the sake of it. They are running from hunger, insecurity, and hopelessness,” he explained.
With economic hardship and insecurity at an all-time high, the question remains: Will the government take urgent action before things get worse?
What Do You Think?
Should the Nigerian government do more to prevent its citizens from fleeing the country? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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