Returnees recount horrifying experiences of slavery, rape, hunger and death in Libya; urge Nigerians to shun dangerous migration
There was an atmosphere of joy, relief and thanksgiving as nine Nigerians who had been stranded in Libya finally returned home on Monday, November 2, 2026, following the intervention of renowned Nollywood actress and Deputy Governor of TAMPAN, Lagos State, Comrade Bimbo Akisanya, through her humanitarian organisation, Akisanya Abimbola Progressive Empowerment Foundation (AAPEF).
The return of the nine Nigerians marked a significant breakthrough in the foundation’s humanitarian efforts to rescue Nigerians trapped in Libya and reunite them with their families.
Speaking shortly after their return, some of the returnees recounted their horrifying experiences, describing their ordeal as a journey through hell. They expressed profound gratitude to Bimbo Akisanya and her foundation for making their return home possible.
According to the returnees, their troubles began while travelling from Nigeria, as they allegedly spent more than two weeks in the desert without adequate food or drinking water.
They further disclosed that several people who embarked on the dangerous journey alongside them lost their lives in the forest, while others were reportedly subjected to sexual violence, exploitation and other forms of abuse.
The returnees also alleged that some Nigerians were sold into slavery markets in Libya, where they endured terrible living conditions, torture and inhumane treatment.
Recounting their experiences, one of the returnees said:
“We went through hell in Libya. We saw things that we cannot easily forget. We spent days in the desert without food and water. Many people who travelled with us lost their lives, while others suffered terrible abuse. We thank God that we did not lose our lives.”
Expressing appreciation to their benefactor, the returnees added:
“We want to use this opportunity to appreciate Aunty Bimbo for making our return home a reality. She has been our saviour at a time when we had almost lost hope. May Almighty God continue to bless her and replenish her pocket. We will never forget what she has done for us.”
They also used the opportunity to caution Nigerians, particularly young people, against embarking on dangerous journeys to Libya in search of greener pastures, warning that unsuspecting migrants could fall victim to human traffickers and modern-day slavery.
Meanwhile, Comrade Bimbo Akisanya, speaking on the foundation’s ongoing rescue initiative, disclosed that support from kind-hearted Nigerians had made it possible to secure flight tickets for 12 stranded Nigerians, with nine successfully returning home.
In her appeal, she said:
“Through the support of kind-hearted people, we have raised enough to secure tickets for 12 Nigerians stranded in Libya. Nine of them returned yesterday.”
However, she noted that thousands of Nigerians were still stranded and desperately waiting for opportunities to return home.
Appealing for more public support, the Nollywood star said:
”
But thousands are still waiting and hoping for a chance to return home. If you feel led to help, please kindly drop your widow’s mite into 1027826232, FCMB, AKISBIMX LTD, or DM me. Thank you. No support is too small. Together, we can help bring more of our people home.”
The intervention by AAPEF has once again highlighted the importance of humanitarian assistance, collective responsibility and public participation in addressing the plight of
Nigerians stranded in foreign countries.
As nine returnees reunite with their loved ones, the foundation is appealing to well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and Nigerians at home and abroad to support its ongoing efforts to bring more stranded citizens back to safety.
