Ukraine: Akalites helping Akalites in Poland.
3 min read
Since the Russian and Ukrainian war began two weeks ago, many things had gone wrong from all sectors of human endeavour. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought carnage that is claiming the lives of many including women and children. Some parts of Europe especially Hungary, Poland and Germany have been flooded with hundreds of thousands of refugees of different nationalities from Ukraine. Last week, a report from New York Times quoted a Ukrainian citizen of claiming that some Russian soldiers had started raping and killing some Ukrainian women, including a 16 year old. On the other hand, Putin has continued to unleash terror on Ukraine’s military installations including some civilian populations. several public and private buildings and institutions in the major cities of Ukraine have been severely bombed by the invading Russian forces. The bombardments which seem to have no end at least for now, continue to leave millions homeless and several dead bodies on the streets of major cities of Ukraine. War is indeed hell.
From the findings of Umuaka Times correspondent in Poland, “A Nigerian student identified as Obinna Victor said about 15 people at the Medyka border had reportedly died from hypothermia — a medical emergency which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it could produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.” The correspondent also gathered from other sources that a “A 19-year-old Nigerian student, Fadlullah Agboluaje who died a day after arriving at the Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ukraine, experienced extreme cold which led to his untimely death, according to the Nigerian government.”
From the time Russia invaded Ukraine, several families from Umuaka who have their children in the country became restless and some tried to reach Umuaka Times to find out the updates from Ukraine. An Akalite who used to live in Kiev spent 5 good days on the road with his family before they arrived Poland. This took place after they had hid in an (underground ) tube for some days. Many Akalites have suffered heavy losses while trying to cross over to other European countries as refugees. Umuaka Times confirmed last week that some Akalites who live in Poland released their numbers and contact addresses to those coming in from Ukraine. Some of the Umuaka born refugees had successfully arrived Poland by late last week.
On their arrival, they were given accommodations and other forms of support they needed including cash gifts by the resident Akalites in Poland. Some who did not want to stay in Poland, were supported to move to other European countries of their choice.
As at press time last week, the passionate Akalites living in Poland had received not less than 15 refugees from Umuaka and others from other towns near Umuaka. When Umuaka Times called on Mr Foreign Osuiwu last week, he confirmed that they have been receiving refugees of Umuaka extraction and others as well. The exercise according to him was still ongoing as at last week and is expected to continue this week.
There is a great optimism that other Akalites who are still trying to cross to Poland will successfully achieve the border crossing expedition before the end of this week.
