Death of 26 Nigerian girls in Mediterranean Sea elicits mixed reactions

The reported death of 26 young Nigerian girls off the Italian coast in the Mediterranean Sea in which the Italian prosecutors have begun investigation has elicited mixed reactions from stakeholders.

According to agency reports, the dead girls’ bodies, most of which were aged 14-18, were recovered at sea, as reports further revealed that the girls who were immigrating to Europe illegally, were suspected to have been sexually abused and murdered as they attempted to cross the Mediterranean.

But reactions have continued to trail the report in Nigeria, as stakeholders have condemned the action of the young promising girls to embark on the journey that would eventually take their lives, when they could have stayed back in the country and succeed in their lives.

A public affairs commentator who spoke to Daily Times on condition of anonymity on Monday, said that the girls should be held accountable for what happened to them.

According to her, when things are difficult, that is when creative ideas are worked out and this helps to find solutions to challenges.

She said, “Why should you effortlessly embark on a journey you are not even sure of the beginning and the end. Because someone promised you of green pastures in Europe, that is why you abandoned your beautiful home country to die in the high sea, juts for you to be able to make it.

It is really a pity, but just because they say you don’t blame the dead, that is why I am not really blaming them, but the system” The Dean, College of Management Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Prof Joseph Epetimehin told The Daily Times that he has no problem with the dead women, but with the government and the country that have forced its people to be committing.

Bonny Amadi