A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently intervene in securing the release o...
A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently intervene in securing the release of a Nigerian citizen, Michael Vitalis Nnorom, who was reportedly abducted by Israeli Defense Forces while on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.
In a statement signed by activist and spokesperson Omotaje Saint Wale, the coalition condemned the interception of the flotilla, describing the act as a violation of international law. The flotilla, composed of several vessels carrying humanitarian volunteers and aid workers, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters while en route to Gaza.
Mr. Nnorom, who served as a mechanic aboard the Omar Al-Mokhtar vessel, was among dozens of international volunteers participating in what the coalition described as a “global effort of conscience” to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
“This peaceful flotilla emerged from the failure of states to act against what is increasingly recognised as genocide in Gaza,” the statement read. “Michael is not only a Nigerian citizen—he is carrying our flag on a global mission of justice and humanity.”
The coalition urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to follow the example of other governments that have successfully negotiated the release of their detained citizens aboard the flotilla. The statement further called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser, and the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria to take swift diplomatic steps toward securing Nnorom’s release.
“This is an opportunity for Nigeria to stand on the right side of history,” the coalition said. “Intercepting peaceful humanitarian vessels in international waters is a breach of international maritime law. We must not remain silent.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla has been one of the most prominent international civil society responses to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been under a prolonged blockade, punctuated by repeated Israeli military operations that have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties.
Israel has long opposed such missions, citing security concerns and accusing flotilla participants of aiding hostile elements—allegations human rights groups have consistently denied.
Mr. Nnorom’s whereabouts remain unknown at the time of this report, and no official comment has yet been issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The coalition concluded its statement with a tribute to Nnorom, praising his “courage and commitment to humanitarian ideals.”
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