We’ll repatriate trafficked indigenes stranded in Lebanon- Oyo govt

Governor Seyi Makinde has said that Oyo State would ensure safe repatriation of all its indigenes found to have been trafficked to Lebanon.

Makinde said that the state would not stand by and watch its indigenes suffer dehumanisation under any guise.

While receiving a brief on the plight of Oyo State indigenes trafficked to Lebanon from his senior special assistant on diaspora matters, Bolanle SarumiAliyu, the governor pledged that “we will pay for the repatriation of all Oyo State indigenes confirmed to have been trafficked to Lebanon,” adding “please put all necessary plans in place to bring them back.”

Speaking further, the governor said: “I understand that some well-meaning individuals and groups have made some donations to some of the victims, let them use such donations as pocket money.”

Makinde in a statement by his chief press secretary assured that his administration would pay for the victims’ flights and fees required to conduct Covid-19 test on each of them.

The governor had earlier been informed that a number of Oyo State indigenes had been discovered to be illegal migrants who were trafficked Lebanon.

Sarumi-aliyu said that while 40 of such victims have been screened and ready for the journey back home, more victims were still being discovered.

She added that her office had been working closely with Lebanese authorities to identify Oyo State indigenes stranded in Lebanon, adding that the 40 victims already screened would be returning home this month.

“We are expecting them back on a special flight on August 12. The government of Seyi Makinde has shown a renewed commitment to the welfare of our people in the diaspora and we are pleased with that.