The Senate has mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs, Diaspora and Special Duties to follow up on the investigations of the deaths of 26 Nigerian girls aged between 14-18 found in a Spanish warship known as “CANTABRIA “on the Mediterranean sea. This followed its adoption of a motion titled ” The Death of 26 young Nigerian girls enroute Italy”. It would be recalled that on Monday, 6 November 2017, both international and local media had reported the discovery of the bodies of the girls, whose deaths have left Italian officials wondering why all who died were female and whether the girls were purposely killed.
Moving the motion at the plenary session of Thursday, 9 November 2017, Sen. Oko, Chairman, Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations expressed concerns over the high rate of illegal migration of young Nigerian boys and girls to Europe; many of who risked their lives through the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean sea. According to her, the attempt by Nigerians to undergo these journeys has led to the deaths of many, hence it was imperative that relevant agencies embark on enlightenment campaigns and take on other urgent measures to address the issue. Following the motion, the Committee is expected to report back its findings within four weeks.
In a related development, in February 2017,UNICEF reported that levels of sexual violence and abuse along the Central Mediterranean route made it one of “the world’s deadliest and most dangerous routes for children and women.” Already, prosecutors in Salermo, Italy believe that sexual violence may have played a role in the death of the Nigerian girls and are carrying out full autopsies of their bodies with a focus on toxicology and evidence of rape.
Unfortunately, illegal migration seems to be on the rise as 375 migrants were rescued in Salermo, Italy on the same day the bodies of the girls were found. The rescued migrants came from Gambia, Ghana, Libya, Nigeria, Sudan and Senegal.
