By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has received five indigenes deported from Côte d’Ivoire after spending about 10 months in detention over allegations of drug trafficking, which they said were later found to be unfounded.
The returnees arrived at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, where they were welcomed by a government delegation led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal and Administrative Matters, Barrister Gandhi Umar, on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Receiving them at the Government House, Governor Ahmed Aliyu thanked Almighty Allah for their safe return and commended the Federal Government, particularly the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, for securing their release and facilitating their repatriation.
The governor described their return as a moment of relief for their families and the people of Sokoto State, assuring the deportees of government support to help them rebuild their lives.
According to him, those willing to continue their education would receive assistance to return to school, while others would benefit from business support and empowerment programmes to enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
Speaking on behalf of the deportees, Lukman Sani said they travelled to Côte d’Ivoire in search of better economic opportunities, earning a living by exchanging damaged and non-functional mobile phones for Indomie noodles and plastic household items.
He explained that they were arrested on allegations of drug trafficking and detained for 10 months before investigations reportedly established that they had no involvement in any drug-related offence.
Lukman said the intervention of the Federal Government through the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire led to their release and eventual deportation to Nigeria.
He alleged that all their personal belongings were confiscated before they were repatriated.
According to him, they travelled as a group of six, but tragedy struck after their release when one of their colleagues fell ill and died before they could return home.
The deceased was buried in Côte d’Ivoire, while the remaining five were repatriated to Nigeria.
“We suffered throughout the period of our detention, but we thank Almighty Allah for preserving our lives,” Lukman said expressing appreciation to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, the Sokoto State Government, and all those who contributed to their release.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Alhaji Sa’adu Tudun Wada expressed gratitude to both the Sokoto State and Federal Governments for their efforts in securing the release and safe return of the young men.
He described the reunion with their loved ones as a great relief and thanked the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire for its timely intervention.
The Sokoto State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its citizens and pledged to continue implementing programmes aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable residents.