By Okafor Joseph Afam
November 7, 2024

In a significant development, Libya has repatriated 166 Nigerian nationals through the Voluntary Repatriation Programme. The operation, carried out from Sabha International Airport, was supported by the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM). This repatriation is a part of the ongoing efforts to address the plight of migrants in Libya, many of whom face exploitation, violence, and harsh conditions.

The Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya’s Southern Region, in collaboration with IOM, successfully brought back the 166 migrants to Nigeria. This initiative is vital for addressing the increasing number of Nigerians seeking to return home due to difficult circumstances in the North African country.

The operation was confirmed by Migrant Rescue Watch, which shared the news on their X handle on Wednesday. The DCIM’s efforts, supported by IOM, are part of Libya’s broader strategy to manage migration flows and provide assistance to those in need of repatriation.

This development comes shortly after a distressing incident involving a Nigerian woman, Omowunmi, who sought urgent help to return to Nigeria. In a heart-wrenching video shared on Facebook, Omowunmi, a woman in her early 20s from Ondo State, pleaded for assistance after being abandoned in Libya by her guardian.

Omowunmi described her dire condition, revealing that she was suffering from a debilitating ulcer and was left stranded on the streets of Libya after her guardian refused to provide the support she needed. She recounted that when she requested money for treatment, her guardian turned hostile and even confiscated her phone. Left without resources or support, Omowunmi found herself homeless and severely ill.

In her emotional plea, Omowunmi begged Nigerians and the Nigerian government to assist her in returning home. “I am very sick and I need to come back to Nigeria,” she said in the video. “Please have mercy on me. I want to go back to Nigeria. Don’t let me die in Libya.” She described her deteriorating health, which had prevented her from eating regularly, leaving her frail and weak.

Omowunmi’s case highlights the risks faced by many Nigerian migrants in Libya, where exploitation and abuse are rampant. Her tragic story has drawn attention to the need for greater support and intervention for Nigerians stranded in Libya. The Nigerian government has been urged to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.

In response to Omowunmi’s plea, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), advised her to approach the Nigerian Embassy in Libya for immediate assistance. However, the growing number of Nigerians facing similar situations underscores the urgent need for broader and more comprehensive support mechanisms for migrants.

The voluntary repatriation of 166 Nigerians serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by thousands of migrants trapped in difficult circumstances in Libya and other parts of North Africa. While some are able to return home through organized efforts, many others remain vulnerable, waiting for help.

As the repatriation continues, the Nigerian government and international organizations like IOM must work together to create more sustainable solutions for the growing number of migrants facing exploitation and hardship abroad.