I Shared Water with Camels and Donkeys on the Desert Journey – A Libya Returnee's Story

A Journey of Suffering and Survival

Victoria Abosede, a 28-year-old single mother of two, recounts her harrowing journey that took her from Nigeria to Libya, where she faced unimaginable hardships. Her story is one of desperation, loss, and survival.

The Decision to Leave

Victoria hails from the Ori-Ade Local Government in Osun State. She lost one of her children to an unknown illness, which left her heartbroken. This tragedy, combined with a breakup from her husband after six years of marriage, pushed her to seek a better life abroad. She decided to travel, hoping to work for three years and return to Nigeria with enough money to start a business.

She left Nigeria on January 12th of the previous year, driven by the hope of financial stability and a brighter future. However, what followed was a nightmare that would test her strength and resilience.

The Dangerous Journey

The journey to Libya was fraught with danger. Victoria traveled from Kano State in a Hilux vehicle, packed like cattle at the back of the truck. Many people fell off during the trip, and some even died. She spent one month and two days on the road before reaching Libya, enduring extreme conditions.

In Niger Republic, they stayed for seven days before continuing their journey through the desert. They had no water, so they resorted to drinking from petrol containers. Food was scarce, and most of it was stolen. Victoria described how they drank the same water as camels and donkeys, chasing them away to quench their thirst.

Life in Libya

Upon arriving in Libya, Victoria went to her agent’s place and stayed there for a week before starting work as a maid in the house of an Arab man. The job was grueling, and she worked long hours without any respite. She was responsible for cleaning the house, washing everything, mopping the floor, and even taking care of the boss's young son, which was not part of her original job description.

Her boss was harsh and unkind, constantly criticizing her work and calling her names. Victoria barely had time to rest or eat. She was fed twice a day, with her first meal around 2 pm. Despite the hardship, she managed to survive for six months before moving to another workplace due to continued mistreatment.

Arrest and Imprisonment

Victoria was arrested by Libyan police because she did not have a passport. She spent four days in a station before being transferred to a prison in Tripoli. The conditions were deplorable—overcrowded cells, little food, and no access to basic necessities. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and even children were among the inmates. Some people died while in custody, including a four-year-old boy.

She remained in prison for over four months before being deported back to Nigeria on March 18, 2025. During her time in prison, she was not given legal representation, and communication with the Nigerian embassy was restricted. Only the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided some basic supplies like sanitary pads and small towels.

Reintegration and Support

Upon returning to Nigeria, Victoria was taken to a camp in Ikeja, where she attended a seminar to help reorient her. The government promised to assist with starting a business after three months. Some people have already received support, and the IOM has reached out to Victoria regarding her plans to start a food business or sell secondhand clothes.

Lessons and Warnings

Victoria believes that Nigeria is a good country, but the leaders are not doing enough to protect its citizens from exploitation. She warns other young women against traveling to Libya, emphasizing that life there is far worse than in Nigeria. She urges them to stay in their country and not risk their lives for uncertain opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Victoria's experience highlights the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking. She calls for more awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks involved. While the government has made some efforts, she believes more needs to be done to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of making informed decisions and seeking safe, legal pathways to improve one's life.