The horror story of the Nigerians who arrived in Brazil by hiding under the ship The horror story of the Nigerians who

The horror story of the Nigerians who arrived in Brazil by hiding under the ship

The horror story of the Nigerians who arrived in Brazil by hiding under a ship is a chilling tale of desperation and survival. Four men embarked on a perilous journey from their native Nigeria to the shores of Brazil, enduring unimaginable hardships along the way.

The ordeal began when the men, driven by desperation and a longing for a better life, decided to hide in the bottom of a ship. The cramped and suffocating conditions offered no respite as they embarked on a treacherous 13-day journey. Their destination was unknown to them, as they had no idea where the ship was heading before they concealed themselves.

Their desperate situation came to light when they were spotted by the crew of another ship passing close by in Vitória Bay, located in Espirito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Authorities were alerted, and the police were dispatched to recover the migrants from their hiding place.

The group was found on the Liberian-flagged vessel Cane Wave, which had departed from the port of Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, on June 27. When the police discovered them, their condition was dire. They had not eaten for several days and had been without water for at least four days. However, despite their suffering, they did not have any serious health problems.

Two of the migrants were able to communicate with the police in English, shedding light on their harrowing experience. They revealed that they had brought food and water with them when they boarded the ship in Lagos, but their supplies had run out during the journey. Their accounts highlighted a disturbing trend: many of these individuals hide in boats without knowing their final destination, risking their lives for a chance at a better future.

According to Ramon Almeida, a senior police officer in Espirito Santo, the responsibility for the four Nigerians will lie with the company that owns the Cane Wave for the next 25 days. After that period, they will be forcibly repatriated to Nigeria. Despite the company's lack of knowledge regarding their presence on board, they are legally obligated to provide accommodation in Brazil and finance their return.

However, the group also has the option to pursue legal avenues to remain in Brazil. They can apply for asylum or permanent residence, leveraging provisions in the migration law passed in 2017. Marina Rongo, a consultant at Conectas, a non-governmental organization, explains that there are circumstances that could prevent their repatriation, such as potential risks they may face upon returning to Nigeria. The National Commission for Refugees (Konari) will analyze their asylum applications, a process that can take months or even years.

This incident involving the four Nigerians is indicative of the grave humanitarian and social crisis that Nigeria has been grappling with for the past two decades. The crisis is primarily driven by the insurgency of the Islamist group Boko Haram, which holds control over the northeastern region of the country and perpetrates human rights abuses.

According to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, serious violations of civil human rights persist in Nigeria, as well as in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, despite the Nigerian army regaining control over parts of the north-east. These violations include violence, sexual discrimination, forced recruitment, and suicide bombings. The conflict with Boko Haram has resulted in 304,500 Nigerians becoming refugees and over 2.4 million being internally displaced.

Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa and one of the world's leading oil exporters, faces immense challenges in addressing this crisis. The country's population, which exceeds 210 million, is the highest in Africa and characterized by religious and cultural divisions. The predominantly Muslim north, Christian south, and diverse central region add further complexity to Nigeria's socio-political landscape.

The story of the Nigerians who hid under a ship to reach Brazil is a poignant reminder of the desperation and risks undertaken by individuals seeking a better life amidst humanitarian crises. It highlights the need for global cooperation to address such challenges and provide support to those affected by conflict and persecution.

Suggestions to avoid these kind of events

To prevent incidents like the one involving Nigerians hiding under a ship, it is crucial to address the root causes of migration and create a safer environment for individuals seeking a better life. Here are some suggestions to help avoid such events:

1- Improve living conditions and economic opportunities: 

Addressing poverty and improving economic opportunities in countries of origin can reduce the desperation that drives people to undertake dangerous journeys. This can be achieved through sustainable development initiatives, job creation, and poverty alleviation programs.

2- Enhance security and stability:

Efforts should be made to ensure security and stability in regions affected by conflicts and violence. This involves addressing political instability, promoting peace-building initiatives, and working towards the disarmament of armed groups.

3- Combat human trafficking and smuggling: 

Strengthening international cooperation to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks is essential. This includes improving border security, sharing intelligence, and prosecuting those involved in these criminal activities.

4- Raise awareness and provide information:

Educate communities about the risks and dangers associated with irregular migration, particularly in vulnerable regions. Providing accurate information about legal migration options, the risks involved in irregular migration, and the consequences of human trafficking can help individuals make informed decisions.

5- Strengthen legal pathways for migration: 

Establishing legal and safe pathways for migration can discourage individuals from resorting to dangerous methods. This can include expanding refugee resettlement programs, facilitating family reunification, and implementing work visa programs to meet labor market demands.

6- Enhance cooperation between countries:

Encourage international cooperation and information sharing among countries to detect and prevent irregular migration. This includes exchanging intelligence, coordinating efforts to dismantle smuggling networks, and implementing joint operations to enhance border control.

7- Protect human rights:

Upholding human rights is crucial in addressing migration issues. Countries should ensure the protection of migrants' rights, including access to healthcare, education, and legal assistance. Detention should be used as a last resort and for the shortest possible period, with appropriate safeguards in place.

8- Provide assistance and support: 

Establish comprehensive support systems for migrants, including access to shelter, healthcare, and legal aid. NGOs and international organizations should work together to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.

9- Promote regional cooperation: 

Encourage regional cooperation frameworks to address migration challenges collectively. This can involve sharing best practices, coordinating efforts, and establishing mechanisms for burden-sharing.

10- Raise awareness and combat stigmatization: 

Foster a better understanding of migration by promoting awareness campaigns that emphasize the positive contributions of migrants to society. Combatting stigmatization and xenophobia is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

By implementing these measures, governments, international organizations, and civil society can work together to prevent incidents like hiding under ships and ensure safer and more orderly migration processes while addressing the underlying causes of migration.