Godsent Ogbebor
140 Stranded Nigerians Return from Sudan
A total of 140 Nigerians stranded in Sudan for months have been repatriated with the support of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme.
IOM disclosed this in a statement on Friday, confirming that the chartered flight, the first since the onset of the crisis in Sudan, landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 27, where they were received by Nigerian government officials.
Among the returnees were 64 women, 36 children, four infants under 12 months old, and migrants with health conditions.
Following their arrival, the returnees received post-arrival assistance, including counselling, medical care, mental health and psychosocial support where necessary, and transportation assistance to their final destinations. IOM also pledged to provide reintegration support tailored to individual needs.
One of the returnees, Bashir, described the difficult situation they endured before returning home. “After the war, we had no accommodation or food. Things kept getting tougher, and the problem was that there was no hope because the war continued. We are grateful to be back home.”
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Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023, more than 12 million people have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. IOM noted that among them were migrants, including circular workers, students, and professionals who had made Sudan their home.
The organisation has worked with embassies and consular offices to provide assistance to stranded migrants. “Many have lost everything: documents, homes, and belongings. For many, Voluntary Humanitarian Return remains the best option for a safe journey home,” said IOM Sudan Chief of Mission, Mohamed Refaat.
The repatriation effort was coordinated by authorities in Sudan and Nigeria, including the Nigerian Embassy in Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Paola Pace, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission a.i., emphasized the importance of collaboration in humanitarian efforts. “We are happy to see the positive results of partnerships and cooperation in saving lives. IOM remains committed to supporting migrants and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The VHR charter was made possible with funding from the European Union through the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
