Nigerian embassy in troubled Niger Republic has dismissed media reports that it’s building was burnt down by angry protesters in Niamey.
The clarification was made in a statement by the Nigerian ambassador to Niger, Mr Mohammed Sani Usman on Saturday afternoon.
Usman said the protesters made attempt to breach the embassy’s premises, but concerted efforts of the Nigerien military and police operatives kept the situation under control.
He said, “The Embassy wishes to inform the general public that even though protesters tried to gain access to the Embassy on July 30, 2023, the Nigerien Military and Police Authorities promptly curtailed the situation.
“At the moment, the Embassy is well guarded by the Nigerien Military and other Security Authorities. We reiterate that the videos are fake and as such, the general public is enjoined to disregard such videos,” the statement read.
Recall that earlier today, a video of some young men setting a building ablaze was circulated on social media with captions suggesting that the Nigerian Embassy in Niger was being burnt down by an angry mob.
This followed protests by coup supporters in Niger against the regional bloc—ECOWAS decision to interfere with the country’s affairs.