They Used Us To Carry Bomb, Pack Dead Bodies- Nigerian Returnee
144 Nigerians returned from Libya on Tuesday, at around 6:45 pm.
According to reports, another aircraft is expected with another 250 Nigerians in the early hours of this morning, making it largest return.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Muhammad Buhari on
Foreign Affairs and Diaspora matters, Hon Abike Dabiri and the wife of
the Lagos State Governor Mrs Bolanle Ambode received them at the
airport.
One of the returness who gave his name as Frank told newsmen, he was “very, very happy” to return.
Nigerians make up the majority of undocumented migrants trying to make the treacherous crossing via the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
Their repatriation began nearly a year ago but numbers have increased recently, with nearly 1,300 brought home in November, according to NEMA.
African heads of state have condemned the treatment of undocumented migrants in Libya, including widespread violence and apparent slave trading.
According to reports, another aircraft is expected with another 250 Nigerians in the early hours of this morning, making it largest return.
One of the returness who gave his name as Frank told newsmen, he was “very, very happy” to return.
“It’s good to be home, because I’ve been in hell in the land of Libya. I’ll start a new life in my country,” he said as he waited to be given food.he saidAnother returnee, Omoburo, said he had been held in a Libyan detention camp for nearly nine months before he could return home.
“They used us to do all sort of things, to carry bombs, to carry ammunition, even to ‘pack’ dead bodies,” he said as he stood in front of a large poster of Nigeria’s first lady Aisha Buhari extending a warm “welcome” to the group.The UN has urged Libya to agree to shut down 30 centres holding 15,000 migrants, whose detention has become a pressing issue after video footage showing African men sold in Libyan slave auctions sparked global outrage.
Nigerians make up the majority of undocumented migrants trying to make the treacherous crossing via the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
Their repatriation began nearly a year ago but numbers have increased recently, with nearly 1,300 brought home in November, according to NEMA.
African heads of state have condemned the treatment of undocumented migrants in Libya, including widespread violence and apparent slave trading.
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