Following the death of 26 teenage Nigerian girls in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Italy last Sunday, Nigerian Senate has blamed the Federal Government for the harsh economic situation in the country, which they said caused the tragedy.
The Upper Chamber therefore mandated it’s committee on Diaspora, Foreign Affairs and Special Duties to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of 26 young Nigerian girls.
This followed a motion sponsored by Rose Okoh, (Cross Rivers North) who brought to the attention of the Senate, the reported gruesome story of the dead bodies of 26 Nigerian girls of ages 14 to 18 discovered in a Spanish war ship ”CANTABRIA”.
She called on the Senate to take proactive measures and go beyond mere feelings of horror to taking urgent steps towards addressing the root causes of the mass exodus of Nigerians to Europe
In his contribution, Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) who also condemned in strong term the death of the teenage girls, called on government to provide a conducive environment for development of youths in the country.
Andrew Uchendu, in his contribution to the motion advised the Senate to carry out a thorough investigation of the matter as a parliament and gather enough information before taking any further steps.
Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President, who also condemned the tragedy, advised government at both federal and state levels to tackle the rising rate of unemployment in the country, and provide basic needs.
An Egyptian and a Libyan national has been reportedly arrested by the Italian authorities in connection with the incidence.