About 834 Nigerians stranded in the conflict-ridden Sudan, yesterday arrived at the pilgrims’ terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The airport terminal witnessed a large turnout of parents, and relatives of the returnees to welcome them with happiness.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Sani Gwarzo, while receiving the returnees, said more stranded Nigerians would be back into the country in a few days.
He explained that three flights arrived at the nation’s capital with a total of 834 returnees.
“As of this morning, we received three flights, Azman Air brought in 322 persons, Max Air brought in 410 persons, while Tarco Airline from Port Sudan came in with 102 persons, making a total of 834,” he said.
He said the delay in the release of some of the returnees’ luggage in Wadi Halfa, in Sudan, had been settled and their luggage came in with them on their flights, adding that the sick ones among them had also been taken to the clinics for proper check-up, before releasing them to go to their respective homes.
He added that a mop-up session had been put in place to bring back more stranded Nigerians in Sudan. “If you know any of your colleagues that were left behind, kindly let us know,” he added.
The returnees, who were filled with joy, sang the national anthem in appreciation of the Federal Government’s efforts in bringing them back to the country.
One of them, Master Najeed Hassan, a medical student at Sudan International University, expressed appreciation to the government for their safe return. “I thank the Federal Government for taking care of our feeding over there and ensuring our safe return. I, however, wish to return to Sudan once the war is over to complete my education, because I just have seven months to graduate,” he said.
Officials of the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), NAPTIP, NIDCOM, Refugees Commission, Port Health officials, Police, among others, were on ground to receive the returnees.
