Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Commission for Nigerians in the Diaspora, expressed disbelief as to how some repatriated Nigerian girls were able to return to Mali.
In a video titled “Regarding the circulating video about a Nigerian girl in Mali’s prison” posted on his X handle on Tuesday, the Speaker said he would ensure the return of nationals stranded abroad. He lamented that despite President Bola Tinubu’s instructions, Nigerians should not return home. Be careful not to get involved in criminal activity or illegal immigration.
She said: “I would like to revisit the viral video showing girls screaming from a prison in Mali asking to be taken home.”A short while ago, the Chief of Defense Staff helped repatriate about 40 girls. He gave it to me.
“We have confirmed that some of the girls who were brought back at that time have surprisingly returned to Mali.
“Therefore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that we must ensure the return of Nigerians wherever they are stranded, but also to commit crimes or engage in criminal activities. False. The Office of the National Security Adviser is in charge of the multi-agency team that handles evacuations, and the NSA’s office is responsible for repatriating people.
“We want to appeal to Nigerians to obey the laws of other countries. Crime, criminal activity and illegal immigration are extremely dangerous,” she added, adding, “The destination you are running from is more dangerous than the destination you are fleeing to.” It could be terrible,” he added.
Reacting to the video, X user Olufsen tweeted as #olumatayofem and wrote: “You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Those who find their way back into these hostile places need to face the consequences of their actions. I can’t continue.”
Another user, BlackAfricanPanther, tweeted as @KazanOgbomon and said, “Some of them are unfortunately victims of circumstance. If Tinubu makes Nigeria a better place to live, people will look for what is missing. You won’t be able to go out.”
One user, Yoruba Ronu Thoroughbred, using the I guess so.” he tweeted.
In September 2024, NiDCOM spokesperson Abdulrahman Balogun said that more than 10,000 Nigerians were evacuated from Libya several years ago due to the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian government and international organizations.
