A young Nigerian woman identified as Omowunmi, in her early 20s, has issued a heartfelt plea to the Nigerian government and her fellow citizens for urgent assistance to return home from Libya.
In a video shared on Facebook, Omowunmi, who hails from Ondo State, described her worsening health and the dire conditions she is facing after being abandoned by her guardian in the North African country.
Omowunmi, who suffers from an ulcer, shared that her health condition has deteriorated, preventing her from eating properly. She explained that her guardian became hostile and eventually abandoned her after she requested funds for her medical treatment. Left without any support, she is now homeless and struggling to survive on the streets of Libya.
In her emotional appeal, Omowunmi said, “My name is Omowunmi from Ondo State. I am very sick and I need to come back to Nigeria. I need the help of Nigerians. Please have mercy on me. I want to go back to Nigeria. Don’t let me die in Libya.”
She detailed how her illness has caused her significant weight loss and pain, saying, “See how I have turned skinny. I have an ulcer, and it is affecting me so much that I can barely eat. I have suffered here.”
Omowunmi further explained that despite having paid off the expenses incurred for her journey from Nigeria to Libya, her guardian seized her SIM card, preventing her from contacting anyone for help. She recalled an incident when, after asking for her money to cover medical expenses, her guardian threw her out at night, leaving her without any resources.
When contacted, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), advised Omowunmi to reach out to the Nigerian embassy in Libya for assistance. He noted, “We advise people to migrate responsibly. If she submits a formal petition, we can escalate her plea to the Diaspora focal point officer for Ondo State.”
Omowunmi’s case emerges amid reports of rising anti-foreigner sentiments in Libya. A social media post by the platform LIBYA INF.TV highlighted virtual campaigns calling for the deportation and restriction of foreign workers, including Nigerians. The campaign has raised concerns among human rights organizations over the growing xenophobic climate in Libya.
However, the Nigerian government has refuted claims of targeted harassment. Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assured in a recent statement that Nigerians residing in Libya are not currently facing any official harassment from Libyan authorities.
Omowunmi’s plea underscores the difficulties many Nigerians encounter when they migrate in search of better opportunities, often facing unexpected challenges and a lack of support systems abroad.
