The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the authorities in Cape Verde to immediately release and repatriate six Nigerian tourists who were detained upon arrival at the Cape Verde Island airport after traveling from Senegal for vacation.
According to a statement issued by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, the tourists were reportedly pulled out of the immigration line, accused of not having sufficient funds, had their phones confiscated, and were subsequently held at an immigration deportation camp at the airport.
The commission disclosed that reports from the detention facility indicated that the Nigerians are currently undergoing distress and trauma. Alarmingly, one of the detained tourists is said to have a medical condition but has been denied access to essential medication.
“We appeal to the immigration authorities in Cape Verde to please treat the tourists with respect and dignity and put them on the next immediate return flight to Dakar for onward connection back to Nigeria,” NiDCOM said.
The affected tourists, all aged between 25 and 31, have been identified as David James Udoh, Lily Dada, Oghenero Adaware, Sherifat Abimbola Ogundairo, and Jesutomi Aina. The trip was organized by a travel company, ìrìn Travels, also known by its social media handles @irintravels and @theFARAWAY.
NiDCOM noted that the matter has been officially reported to the Consular and Migration Directorate in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic intervention. The families of the detained individuals are said to be deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of their loved ones.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the tourists to Nigeria.
