Joeseph’s story is a gripping tale of survival, determination, and resilience, as he fled hardship in Nigeria to seek a better life in Europe. Born into a complex family dynamic in Auchi Edo State, Nigeria, Joseph grew up amidst familial tensions. His father’s multiple marriages resulted in a large family—his mother had nine children, while his father’s other wives had 13 each. Despite his mother’s success as a stockfish trader, the household was fraught with conflict, particularly after the birth of a son by his father’s second wife.
In 1992, while studying at Auchi Polytechnic with his friend Osagie, Joseph’s life took a drastic turn. Rival cult clashes at the school forced them to flee for safety. Inspired by Osagie’s sister in Spain, they decided to undertake a treacherous journey by road and sea to reach Europe. Joseph stole N10,000 (a significant sum at the time), converted some to US dollars, and hid the money in the sole of his shoe, keeping additional currency for border crossings.
Journey and Routes:
The journey began in Edo State, Nigeria, moving northward through northern Nigeria (possible stopovers include towns like Kano or Sokoto, common transit points for migrants heading to North Africa). From there, they crossed into Mali, a dangerous leg of the trip. In Mali, they navigated carefully to avoid the Tuareg, a nomadic group known for attacking travelers. Joseph noted that some migrants hid money in their bodies, only to be forced to excrete it by bandits, highlighting the perils of this route. Possible stopovers in Mali could include Gao or Timbuktu, known transit points for desert crossings.
Reaching Algeria, they arrived in Algiers, where they were sheltered by Rev. Mathew, a compassionate priest who urged them to abandon their journey. Despite his warnings, Joseph and Osagie pressed on after two weeks. They continued to Morocco, likely passing through cities like Tamanrasset in southern Algeria or Oujda near the Moroccan border. In Morocco, they stayed with Rev. James, an Italian priest, possibly in a city like Tangier or Nador, key staging points for Mediterranean crossings. Rev. James ensured they connected with trustworthy guides, referred to as “Arabu guys,” who facilitated their sea journey.
The ocean crossing from Morocco to Spain was harrowing. Departing from a Moroccan coastal point (likely near Tangier or Nador), Joseph and 77 others crowded onto a small boat. Stripped of items like watches and necklaces to avoid attracting “sea demons,” they endured 22 hours without food or water. Joseph helped navigate using a compass. After spotting a Spanish flag on a pole—likely near the Strait of Gibraltar—they encountered a ship that avoided them to prevent capsizing but may have alerted rescuers. They eventually reached Spain, likely landing near Tarifa or Algeciras.
Arrival in Spain:
Upon arrival, Joseph fell ill and was separated from others. Posing as Sudanese, he and Osagie faced immigration scrutiny. Advised by lawyers to remain silent, Joseph followed a police officer’s tip to stay at the back of the queue during screening, avoiding deportation. They were taken to Malaga, housed in a hotel for three days, given $50, and told to leave Spain. Osagie’s sister, Mabel, retrieved them, and Joseph got a job through her and later married her, building a family and earning Spanish citizenship. Osagie, however, struggled with substance abuse and fared less well.
Joseph’s journey underscores the extreme risks of migrating through the Sahara and Mediterranean, a route even more dangerous today. His story highlights the role of community support, from priests to family, in surviving such an ordeal. Possible stopover towns like Kano, Sokoto, Gao, Tamanrasset, Oujda, Tangier, Nador, Tarifa, and Algeciras are inferred based on common migration routes, as Joseph did not specify them.
