Vanished Family: Nigerians Abroad Scared Of Home

Nigerians overseas are scared of coming back home following the shocking news that a family of four, their cousin and the driver of the car, got lost in transit during a journey from Lagos to Asaba, Delta State.

According to the P.M.NEWS lead story of Wednesday, 2 February, 2011, the Onyeocha family consisting Edna, 35, her kids, Loveth, 11; Precious, 8; Golden, 6 and Edna’s cousin, Chinyere left Lagos on Wednesday enroute Asaba.

The report said the six persons have not been located for about a week when the Dubai-based family on holidays embarked on the trip last Wednesday.

From Kansas in the US, Blessed Nwakpuda Topeka reacted on our website www.pmnigeria.com: “This is the greatest fear that some of us here (abroad) have. How do I send my two little boys to Abia State in Nigeria when they are not safe? Other Africans who visit their countries are celebrated but in Nigeria, Nigerians abroad are targets of kidnappers, fraudsters, vandals. If folks back home do not want us to visit our friends and families, they should tell us. This kind of news is so disturbing that one would think that the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, should be disbanded and replaced with state or local vigilantes. I cry for my beloved country.”

Emeka said if the family can manage to get out of this type of problem, the kids might never visit Nigeria again, which means the country has lost them to Dubai forever. While Ella Oguns who planned coming to Nigeria in June this year said she has shelved the idea.

From Toronto, Canada, IK appealed to the abductors to collect whatever ransom they wanted and free the family unhurt and Bassey Emiang prayed God to intervene and deliver the seized family.

Another Nigerian abroad writes: “It will be a shame for our country should anything bad happen to the family. The world indeed, the tourist world and especially Nigerians in diaspora who may be planning to return home are watching.”

One Samuel simply comments: “Shocking and unbelievable. What could have happened to them? May God Almighty preserve their lives. The issue of insecurity in Nigeria gives one a lot of concern.

Ayour Pee said the news was both shocking and very moving, adding: “I just imagine myself in Ugochukwu’s shoes; I feel like crying.”

Commenting on the incident, Akolade Ishola said: “Really sad indeed. What are the cab operators doing about this mess? What steps were taken immediately something seemed wrong? My heart prays fervently for their safe returns.”

Reacting through P.M.NEWS website, another Nigerian abroad, Donald wrote: “Nigerians are praying for the family. Police, please help this young man to find his family members.”

—Moyo FAbiyi