The presidential fact-finding team on Libya, yesterday facilitated the return of 481 stranded Nigerians in the country, with some 4, 511 others waiting to be evacuated.
Their return followed the delegation’s intervention after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoff rey Onyeama, negotiated their exit with the Libyan government.
President Muhammadu Buhari, had in the wake of the fate suffered by Nigerians resident in the North African country, directed the Onyeamaled delegation to ensure the safe return of the affected Nigerians. Beaming with smiles, the returnees were accompanied by other members of the team, including; the DirectorGeneral, National Emergency Management Agency( NEMA), Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and a representative of the National Security Adviser.
All returnees are to be temporarily camped at a reception centre in Port Harcourt after which they would be transferred to their respective states.
They arrived the Port Harcourt International Airport about 5.05pm into the waiting arms of Onyeama and other members of the delegation. Welcoming the returnees home, Onyeama said, “Mr. President and the good people of Nigeria were concerned about your well-being and sent a delegation.
The President put all resources at our disposal to bring you back. We came and saw where so many of you were being held in difficult and inhuman condition.
“We had good understanding with Libyan Government and we are happy to bring back these Nigerians home. The federal government will do its best to return them safely to their various states.
This administration will continue to protect every Nigerian at home and abroad. “Many of you were trafficked, many of you were taken against your judgment. I want to assure you that you will not abandoned.”
Providing further insight into the trip, NEMA boss, Engr. Maihaja said, “in line with the mandate from President Muhammadu Buhari, we have started repatriating Nigerians who are trapped in Libya. We are using Max Air and Medview Airlines with a target of completing the process in three weeks.
“The first batch in the inaugural flight included 481 returnees. We have put necessary logistics in place for a hitch-free evacuation. “The returnees will undergo profiling, medical examination and other processes before reuniting them with their families.
We are collaborating with relevant state governments to receive these returnees at the Reception Centre.
