In Kano, northern Nigeria, six students from the University of Warsaw’s Oriental Studies department and one of their lecturers have been detained. They were reportedly involved in anti-government protests that escalated into riots.
Demonstrators take part in a rally against the cost-of-living crisis the country is experiencing in Lagos, Nigeria, 02 August 2024. Nigerians responded to online calls to mobilize against economic hardship, insecurity, poor infrastructure and environmental degradation. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is experiencing its worst economic crisEPA/EMMANUEL ADEGBOYE (PAP/EPA)
According to the University of Warsaw, the group of seven from Poland left their accommodation during the night, which was deemed by local police as a breach of local laws and safety regulations.
The detained individuals are students of African Studies at the University of Warsaw. They had traveled to Nigeria at the beginning of August for a language course organized by the university and were scheduled to return to Poland in early September.
The University of Warsaw’s press office stated that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the Polish consul on site, to secure the release of those detained. The Oriental Studies faculty, where the students are enrolled, is also involved in the support efforts.
Polish students detained in Nigeria. University and authorities work for release
„Ensuring the safe return of our students and their supervisor is our top priority. We must do everything in our power to achieve this as quickly as possible,” said Professor Alojzy Nowak, Rector of UW.
„The University of Warsaw’s Oriental Studies Department and the Department of African Languages and Cultures are collaborating with local authorities and the Polish Consul in Nigeria to ensure the detained students’ release and safe return,” the university announced.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Abuja office (in the capital city of Nigeria) has been informed about the arrest of the Polish students and lecturer in Kano.
„The consular service is working with local authorities to determine the exact circumstances of the incident in order to assist our citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the families of those detained,” it was announced via social media.
Nigeria protests turn violent. Caution advised
In early August, protests and riots erupted throughout Nigeria, becoming increasingly violent, particularly in the northern regions of Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe states, as well as in the Abuja metropolitan area and Imo state.
Polish authorities are concerned that terrorists might exploit the current chaos, as previously observed in Maiduguri/Borno. „The listed areas are not the only risky ones, so we advise maintaining general caution, avoiding gatherings, and limiting movement in public spaces,” an official government statement noted.
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Radio Polandhttps://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7785/Artykul/3412022,university-of-warsaw-students-and-lecturer-arrested-in-nigeria