I want to bring to your attention the dire situation of 250 Nigerians currently detained in Kaliti prison in Ethiopia. Recently, a protest was held by the families of the imprisoned Nigerians to shed light on the conditions their loved ones are facing in the Ethiopian penitentiary. Family members of the detainees claim that most of them are innocent and are being held in dangerous and inhumane conditions.
Speaking to the media, Mr Onwuka Ifeanyi Collins alleges that despite reaching out to Nigerian authorities such as the Interior Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs, they have yet to receive a response or help. The family members also plan to deliver a letter to Abike Dabiri, the diaspora minister, the Senate President and Tinubu.
According to Mr. Collins, the inmates are suffering from various health issues, such as heart problems and stroke, and are not receiving proper medical treatment. Their families in Nigeria have to send money and food to the inmates as they are only being fed white rice.
Dr Ndubisi Nwogu, one of the protesters, has called on Nigerian authorities responsible for Nigerians in the diaspora, Tinubu, and the Nigerian people to bring attention to the plight of Nigerians in these prisons. He highlights the suffering, harassment, and arrests of Nigerians and appeals for help, stating that two Nigerians have already died and others are in deteriorating conditions.
A former inmate, Francis Chukwu Uzo, shared his ordeal, stating that he was arrested while in transit from Dubai to Nigeria for allegedly not declaring his money, even though he had already declared it at the exit airport. The Ethiopian authorities confiscated his money and held him in prison for 40 days. He stated that if you have a Nigerian passport, Ethiopian officials will treat you differently from others, often in an inhumane manner. He mentioned that many people are afraid to speak out, but he is asking for help for the prisoners in Kaliti Prison.
Why are the Nigerian authorities not doing anything to help these desperate families? Why have these families' cries for help fallen on deaf ears? The situation raises concerns about the safety of Nigerians travelling with Ethiopian Airlines and underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to intervene and provide support.
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