Two Nigerian Men Dies From Suspected Poisoning In Libya

Two Nigerians, identified as Collins and Osas, have died in Tripoli, Libya, in circumstances suspected to involve poisoning.

The two men, who were residents of Misrata, reportedly travelled to Tripoli on July 20 alongside a friend whose name has not yet been revealed.

According to sources, after a few days in the city, their companion advised them to return to Misrata with him, but they chose to remain behind. He eventually left without them.

A relative of Collins told PUNCH that the family later received information that the two men had died after allegedly being poisoned.

“We were told that the three of them lived in Misrata and that they all went to a place called Oshofana in Tripoli to have fun.  This was July 20.

“Although Collins and Osas were not familiar with the place, it was their first time there. They said it is a place where they run different kinds of deals.

“So, after spending four days there, the friend whom they followed to the place said he was about to return to Misrata, but Collins and Osas said they were still going to stay behind. Then, he left them there and went back.

“It was about two days later that he claimed to have received a call that his two colleagues had died of what was suspected to be food poisoning,” the source narrated.

Another source in Libya said the account given by their companion has raised doubts among Nigerians in the area.

“Given the nature of what we all know Oshofana to be, the narration of the person they followed to the place raises suspicion. That was what he told us because no one went with them.

“But some of our colleagues here are not satisfied with his explanation, and they are following up with the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of their death,” the source disclosed.

The two men have since been buried in Libya.

When contacted on Sunday, Abdulrahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), said he had no knowledge of the case.

“I am not aware of the incident. Their families can write a petition to us as a commission, and we will work on it,” Balogun said.

This development comes weeks after two Nigerians men identified as Austin and Ayo were shot dead by gunmen in Durban, South Africa.