The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret. ), has stated that Nigeria is eager to assist Turkey and Syria “in any manner feasible,” as the dead toll from the earthquake that struck sections of both countries approaches 1,800.
This came as he expressed his condolences to the governments and people of Turkey and Syria, as well as those who lost family and friends in the catastrophic earthquake that struck the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep.
Buhari made the announcement in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Monday, headed ‘Deadly Earthquake: President Buhari commiserates with Turkey, Syria promises help.’
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the village of Pazarcik, in Gaziantep, a border hamlet with Syria, in the early hours of Monday.
Millions of Turkish nationals, displaced Syrians, and refugees live in the region.
According to Aljazeera, the initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks and then a 7.5-magnitude quake in the afternoon, bringing the death toll to almost 1,800 people and destroying hundreds of structures.
The earthquake struck at 4:17 a.m. local time, according to Turkey’s disaster and emergency management authorities, in what has been termed as the country’s most seismic event in years.
Reacting to the incident, the President said Nigeria is open to fully support “in any way possible.”
“The President wishes those injured a speedy recovery and assures that the prayers and thoughts of Nigerians are with the many affected by this severe disaster and its aftershocks.
“As a steadfast friend to Turkey and Syria, President Buhari says Nigeria is ready to offer its full support in any way possible,” the statement read.
