Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Federal Government of Nigeria has released six Polish students and a lecturer from Warsaw University who were detained in Kano State during recent hardship protests. The Polish foreign ministry confirmed their release on Wednesday, stating that all seven individuals are in good health and are expected to return to Poland this week.
The detained individuals were part of a university program aimed at studying the Hausa language in northern Nigeria. However, they found themselves caught up in a wave of protests that erupted earlier this month over rising costs of living and allegations of poor governance. The protests saw thousands, predominantly youths, taking to the streets to voice their frustrations.
According to the spokesman for the Polish foreign ministry, Pawel Wronski, the seven Polish citizens had their passports, laptops, and other personal belongings returned to them following their release. They are currently staying at the university campus in Kano, awaiting their journey back home.
Wronski explained that the Polish citizens were detained due to a misunderstanding, as they were allegedly seen carrying Russian flags during the protests. Given Poland's strained relations with Russia and its critical stance against Russian aggression in Ukraine, Polish officials quickly dismissed the likelihood of any pro-Russian sentiment among the detained group. Instead, they attributed the incident to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"Our students were at the wrong time at the wrong place," Wronski stated, urging Polish citizens to exercise caution when traveling to distant or politically sensitive regions. He noted that the Polish ministry regularly issues travel warnings on its website, including specific advice against traveling to Kano State due to the region's complex political environment.
Pro-Russian sentiment is virtually nonexistent in Poland, a country that has suffered under Russian rule in the past. Today, Polish society is largely united in its support for Ukraine and its condemnation of Russian actions.
The protests in Kano and other parts of Nigeria were driven by widespread frustration over the economic policies of the incumbent government, which many Nigerians believe have stifled development and exacerbated poverty. The sight of Russian flags among some protesters led security forces to accuse them of treasonable felony, further complicating the situation for the detained Polish nationals.
As the Polish citizens prepare to return home, their ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with traveling in politically volatile regions. The Polish government has emphasized the importance of heeding travel warnings and being aware of the local political climate to avoid similar incidents in the future.
