The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday stated that many returnees from Libya have psychiatric issues.

The UN agency expressed fears that, except all stakeholders extend support to the returnees, they could soon be on their way back to Libya.

IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Enira Krdzalic said these in Akwanga, Nasarawa state.  She said the agency had been able to counsel the returnees, especially those with psychiatric problems. Speaking further, Krdzalic said between January and November 2017, IOM has assisted in the return and reintegration of over 4,489 stranded Nigerian migrants.

Krdzalic, who was represented by the National Programme Officer, Sunday Omoyeni, said:  “For the nearly 5,000 returnees, we have not started their full reintegration. We have only done initial reintegration which is counselling.

“Many of them are ill, many have psychiatric issues and we have referred them to psychiatric institutions. After that, we will help them with training or to set up a business but it is not sustainable.

“When you see these people returning, what comes to your mind is that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because these are agile or able-bodied youths with nothing to do.’’