Nigerian Lady Dies In Libya After Being Denied Medical Care
A 23-year-old Nigerian lady, identified simply as Osarugbe, has died in Libya after suffering from a prolonged illness and allegedly being neglected by both medical institutions and her family. The young woman passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, in what advocates are describing as an avoidable tragedy.
The incident has drawn public attention to the worsening plight of Nigerian migrants trapped in Libya, a country known for its unstable conditions and human rights abuses, especially against African immigrants.
Osarugbe had reportedly been battling a serious medical condition for several weeks. Her health declined drastically, and efforts to admit her into Libyan hospitals were unsuccessful. According to reports, she was turned away multiple times due to the severity of her illness and possibly her undocumented migrant status.
Leading the campaign to save her life was Nigerian anti-human trafficking advocate Yakubu Oyiza, who has spent years working to assist stranded migrants, particularly young women, in North Africa. Oyiza revealed that arrangements were already in motion to fly Osarugbe back to Nigeria for urgent medical treatment before she passed away.
The tragedy occurred in Libya on Friday morning. Osarugbe was among thousands of Nigerian migrants who had travelled to the North African country, either in search of work or as a stopover while attempting to reach Europe through the Mediterranean.
Libya has long been a hotspot for African migrants, but ongoing conflict, weak institutions, and systemic abuse have made it one of the most dangerous routes for migration.
Apart from the deceased, much of the spotlight has turned to her family in Nigeria and the advocacy team led by Yakubu Oyiza. In a public statement posted on Facebook, Oyiza accused Osarugbe’s relatives of abandoning her in her time of need.
According to Oyiza, the family was contacted multiple times and informed of plans to evacuate Osarugbe through Kano State, Nigeria. However, despite pleas, the family reportedly failed to respond or assist with the arrangements.
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What shocked many was Oyiza’s revelation that after announcing Osarugbe’s death, the family allegedly did not reach out to discuss burial or return procedures but began requesting her personal belongings instead.
The case has sparked outrage online and within humanitarian circles. Many have condemned what they describe as a troubling trend of neglect, not only by institutions but also by families of stranded migrants who fail to offer basic support during emergencies.
Oyiza expressed heartbreak over the situation, saying, “Since yesterday that I informed Osarugbe’s family of her death, they haven’t called back to ask about the burial arrangements. Instead, they’ve started calling to demand her belongings.”
She continued, “Most of these young girls that run to Libya have something chasing them… I am devastated.”
Social media users have flooded Oyiza’s page with condolences and criticism of the family’s actions. Others used the opportunity to call on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to rescue and rehabilitate stranded citizens abroad.
With the help of Oyiza’s team, burial arrangements are already being made in Libya. The group has reportedly secured an autopsy, a burial plot, and all necessary documentation, amounting to about ₦350,000.
Osarugbe’s story is not an isolated one. Thousands of young Nigerians, particularly women, remain stranded in Libya under inhumane conditions. Many of them face abuse, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and a complete lack of access to healthcare.
Advocates and human rights organisations are again calling on the federal government to put more robust mechanisms in place for the repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian citizens abroad.
Content Credit: Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Image Credit: www.gistmania.com
