ANOTHER 560 NIGERIAN RETURNEES FROM LIBYA ARRIVE HOME

The Zonal Coordinator explained that the choice of Port Harcourt airport as evacuation route was based on proximity to the most affected states.

“A graphic showed that Edo state alone recorded 309 out of 484 migrants. The record also showed that over 80 per cent of the returnees were indigenes of Edo and Delta states. It is more convenient for the largely affected states to evacuate their returnees from Port Harcourt,” he said.

The Public Relations Officer of Max Air, Muhammed Dahiru  while speaking also stated that the airline was competent to convey 1,680 returnees if passengers were cleared without delays, adding  that the airline deployed three air crafts with 560 capacity each for the operation. He further pointed out that speedy operation can be actualised if passengers’ documentation and clearance are not delayed.

A returnee, Paul Eke, while speaking thanked the federal government on ensuring smooth return of migrants, adding that the measure showed government’s commitment to its citizens, but also urged the government to continue its rescue process to the hinterland in the Libyan states where some Nigerians were being imprisoned and unjustly tortured.

“I urge our federal government to do more by rescuing some Nigerians who are still trapped in some interior parts of Libya. I stayed in Zawe Superata, this place is like an exit point to Italy and so many Nigerians are still being imprisoned there,” Eke cried out.