Homecoming to Death: The tragic fate of Nigerian returnees, by Martha Gwary
For many Nigerians in the diaspora, returning home is meant to mark a moment of joy — a reunion with loved ones, a celebration of survival abroad, or an opportunity to reconnect with their roots. Sadly, for a growing number of returnees, the journey home ends in tragedy.
Across Nigeria, there have been recurring reports of citizens who survived years overseas only to die shortly after returning.
These deaths occur through road accidents, suspected poisoning, sudden illness, kidnapping and violent attacks, raising serious concerns about safety and preparedness.
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A Narrow Escape, Two Lives Lost
One recent incident that reignited public concern involved Anthony Joshua, a Nigerian returnee and world boxing champion who narrowly escaped death after a tragic crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends shortly after their return to the country. While investigations continue, the case highlights a disturbing pattern of young Nigerians coming home full of hope, only to meet untimely deaths.
Friends and relatives described the victims as vibrant and optimistic, having endured years of hard work and pursuing their goals abroad.
In June 2025, a United States-based Nigerian returnee in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was brutally attacked and killed by armed criminals.
According to eyewitness reports, the victim, an indigene of Ihiala in Anambra State, was ambushed on a Sunday evening by assailants suspected to be armed Fulani herdsmen while en route to inspect his landed properties near Golden Estate and Abba Father Avenue in Umuguma.
He was reportedly travelling in a Toyota Highlander SUV with his wife and land agents when the attackers struck. Eyewitnesses said the victim attempted to flee but was shot in the head and killed instantly. His wife was abducted during the attack.
The Murder of Dele Udoh
On July 15, 1981, a potential world beater in the 400 metres was violently put to death by a law enforcement officer. Otenkwa Dele Ndubuisi Udo bagged a degree, got married and rushed back home to represent his country only to be murdered by a policeman for daring to mention the United States.
Udoh was home to prepare for the continental championships. The Green Eagles were also in camp at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) Surulere, Lagos battling for World and African Nations Cup qualification. All was fine until that night when Udoh and some of the athletes were late for dinner and there was nothing left for them. They decided to dash to Ojuelegba in Lagos, some metres away from camp, to grab a meal. Someone drove them down only to be flagged down by a gun-wielding officer.
Team mates recalled that after stating their mission, the policeman, realising that Dele came in from the US, became jealous. They said that the cop vowed that the athlete would not return to his “good country alive”. That was how he shot and killed one of the world’s upcoming greatest sprinters.
Udoh could have won laurels for Nigeria. His Moscow ’80 Relay team mate, Uti advanced to win a bronze medal at the next Olympics, Los Angeles ’84. Owolabi lifted the First CAF Cup with Shooting Stars in 1992. Kpakor won the African Winners Cup in 1991 with BCC Lions.
These tragic deaths triggered widespread debate on social media over why home has become increasingly unsafe for returning citizens.
Fatal Journeys on Nigerian Roads
Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death among returnees. Many arrive from countries with better road infrastructure and stricter traffic enforcement, only to be exposed to Nigeria’s poorly maintained highways, reckless driving and weak regulation.
Tragedies often occur during celebratory movements — night journeys from airports, village visits or social outings — sometimes involving speeding, fatigue or alcohol. In several cases, returnees insist on driving themselves despite unfamiliarity with local road conditions or rely on commercial drivers of doubtful competence.
Poisoning and Sudden Deaths
Another worrying trend involves returnees who die after alleged poisoning or unexplained illnesses. Families frequently speak in hushed tones of meals shared during welcome-home celebrations or visits to extended relatives.
Although not all such cases are medically confirmed, suspicion is heightened by the absence of proper autopsies and delayed investigations. Health experts also warn that some returnees abandon prescribed medications, underestimate pre-existing conditions, or struggle to adjust to the climate, diet and stress levels, leading to fatal outcomes.
Kidnapping and Violent Attacks
Nigeria’s worsening insecurity has also claimed the lives of returning citizens. Some are targeted because they are perceived as wealthy, especially those arriving from Europe, North America and the Middle East. Kidnappings for ransom, armed robberies and attacks during inter-state travel have turned joyful visits into nightmares.
Security analysts say some victims are trailed from airports or betrayed by individuals aware of their movements, compounding the vulnerability of returnees.
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Why Returnees Are at Risk
Experts identify several factors that expose returnees to danger, including:
Frequent travel and night journeys
Public announcement of arrival on social media
Carrying large sums of cash
Overconfidence around familiar environments
Excessive celebration and display of affluence
These factors, analysts say, often attract criminal attention.
Security and health professionals recommend that returnees:
Avoid late-night travel, particularly on highways
Keep movements discreet and limit social media exposure
Use trusted drivers and reliable vehicles
Undergo medical checks before and after travel
Be cautious about food, drinks and social pressure
Maintain a low profile, especially in volatile areas.
Families are also urged to prioritise safety over elaborate celebrations.
The recurring deaths of Nigerian returnees underscore deeper issues of insecurity, weak healthcare systems and poor road safety enforcement.
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Analysts insist that beyond individual caution, the government must improve security, enforce traffic laws and ensure a transparent investigation of suspicious deaths.
For many Nigerians abroad, the desire to return home remains strong. Yet, until safety and accountability improve, the painful phrase “he came back to die” will continue to echo — a grim reminder that homecoming has become a dangerous journey for some.
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