I saw dead bodies of migrants scattered across desert- Jeremiah Adelu

If there is one thing that Jeremiah Adelu would never forget easily in his life, it is his horrible experience seeking to get to Europe through the Sahara Desert.

The Libya returnee who is now the founder of  Voice of Migrant Association (VOMA) a non- governmental Organisation supporting returnees, told voiceforafricanmigrants.org that his migration journey is one that has changed his life forever.

He said: “I traveled from Nigeria through the northern part of the country into Niger, heading toward Libya, which is a major transit point for migrants trying to reach Europe through the Mediterranean Sea. However, what started as a hopeful journey quickly turned into a nightmare.

Like many migrants who attempt irregular migration, the reality of the journey was far from what I imagined. At every stage of the trip, new agents appeared demanding additional money before allowing us to continue. The cost kept increasing far beyond what I had originally been told. By the time I finally reached Libya, I had spent about ₦1.15 million, far more than the initial agreement.

“One of the most frightening parts of the journey was crossing the Sahara Desert. We were packed into pickup trucks and driven across a vast desert with very little food and water. During the day, the heat was unbearable, and at night the cold was extreme. Along the way, I saw something I will never forget dead bodies of migrants scattered across the desert. Some had died from dehydration, others from exhaustion. The desert had become the final resting place for many people who once had dreams just like mine.

“When I finally arrived in Libya, the situation became even worse. Migrants were taken to detention camps and places controlled by traffickers and militias. One of the places we were held was known as the “Land of No Mercy. The conditions there were terrible. Many of us were crowded into small spaces with little food, poor sanitation, and constant fear.

People were beaten regularly, especially if they could not pay more money. Traffickers would force migrants to call their families back home while they were being beaten so their relatives could hear their cries and send money quickly. I personally experienced this. I had to call my sister while I was being beaten so that she would send money to secure my release.

Women in the camps suffered even more, as many of them were forced into prostitution. At that point, I realized that the journey I thought would bring a better life had instead become a fight just to stay alive. I experienced hardship, uncertainty, and the harsh realities many migrants face during irregular migration. These experiences exposed me to the risks of trafficking, exploitation, and extremely difficult living conditions.”