One month after victims of xenophobic attacks returned to Nigeria, findings by Sunday Vanguard revealed that 9 out of 16 states whose indigenes were affected have literally done nothing to support the victims.

Apart from those who hail from Oyo, Lagos, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ogun, and Ondo, others have been left to their fate after the initial attention they received after they arrived the country.

Chairman of Nigerian Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had profiled the returnees, saying they hail from 16 states.

She listed the affected states to include Ogun, Imo, Oyo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Kogi, Benue and Akwa Ibom. To support their reintegration into the society, Dabiri-Erewa said an appeal for support was made to the concerned states.

Sunday Vanguard could not confirm if all the states received the letters but seven have reached out to the returnees.

The states include Oyo, Lagos, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ogun, and Ondo. Others were found to have done nothing. Officials of these states told Sunday Vanguard that they are not aware that some of their indigenes were affected by xenophobic attacks. While stating that they have not been contacted by anyone, the functionaries added that they would assist if such persons identify themselves.

Some returnees are already experiencing difficult times. Those who spoke to Sunday Vanguard pleaded for assistance, adding that the economic situation of Nigeria does not give them any hope. Majority pleaded anonymity fearing stigmatisation. They however added that they could be contacted through NIDCOM. (Sunday Vanguard)