Turkey: Nigerian Community Opens Helpline For Stranded Citizens

President, Nigerian Community in Turkey, Emre Magboh. Photo credit: Nigerian Community in Turkey

A response line has been opened by the Nigerian Community in Turkey for all Nigerians living in cities affected by the earthquake to make their cases known.

The group in a statement signed by its President, Emre Magboh, and made exclusively available to The PUNCH, noted that since the tragic incident of the earthquakes occurred, the Nigerian Embassy had made several contacts with them to enquire about the status of its citizens living in Turkey.

On Monday, two major earthquakes, measuring 7.8 and 7.5, hit the city of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey.

The quakes affected a massive area including large cities where many people live and so far, have killed over 11,000 people, with several thousand others injured with many people still missing in south eastern Turkey.

According to the Red Cross, the earthquakes have hit at least ten provinces in Turkey and in Syria including; Diyarbakir, Hama, Aleppo, Latakia, and Tartous, among others.

The statement from the Nigerian Community in Turkey added that although no Nigerian had been reported to have been affected by the quakes, it had doled out relief materials to victims in the affected areas.

He said, “As of press time, no Nigerian casualty had been reported or recorded as more survivors are being rescued from the rubbles. The Nigerian Embassy has made several contacts with the Nigerian Community in Turkey to enquire about the status of her citizens living in Turkey.

“However, we have made public announcements and opened a response line for all Nigerians living in the affected cities to make their case known.

“This is to ensure that proper assistance is given to victims of the earthquakes who are Nigerians.”

A screenshot of the text message received by our correspondent reads, “Nigerian community Turkey wishes to reach out to all members following the quake disaster that claimed lives.

“We hope you are all safe. Let’s try to reach out to our fellow brothers and sisters, especially in the southern part of Türkiye. Any report of Nigerian casualties should be reported through the community line: +90 535 2058 834. Everyone should please stay safe.”

Magboh also extended their condolences to victims on Tuesday evening at his office in Perpa, Istanbul-Turkey where he unveiled relief materials donated by the community for survivors of the disaster.

Earlier, the Turkish President, Recep Erdogan, had declared a state of emergency across 10 provinces in areas worst hit by the tremor.

Magboh expressed grief over the loss of lives and properties in the affected cities.

He said, “We pray for the repose of the ones who lost their lives and wish survivors with injuries a quick recovery.

The president of the community applauded the tireless efforts of the Turkish government in rescuing many trapped under the rubble.

He added, “Many lives have been saved and we hope that many more lives would be saved with their continued doggedness to save lives.

“We also applaud the foreign support to Turkiye as reported in the media and we are calling for more assistance and interventions to relieve the pains many are experiencing at the moment.”