FG repatriates Liberian refugees

Shola Adekola, Lagos - 08.05.2008

IT was a mixture of joy and sadness on Wednesday when 47 Liberian nationals, who escaped to Nigeria during the outbreak of war in their country, were repatriated back to their country.

The 47, who form the first batch of those to be repatriated, subsequently departed the shores of the country on board a Bellview flight under the supervision of the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Hajia Hadiza Sani Kangiwa.

Hajia Kangiwa, who spoke with journalists at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, described the repatriation as voluntary and not a case of deportation.

Describing the occasion as a happy one for the Liberians, Kangiwa said they had no choice but to return since peace had returned to their country.

Kangiwa, who said the repatriation started in 2005, disclosed that there were still about 3,000 Liberians remaining in Nigeria.