By Feyisetan Hamzat
There is relief for the family of 37-year-old Nigerian woman, Saratu Jibo Yusuf, after she was found safe in a hospital in Qatar following concerns over her whereabouts after arriving in Doha.
Jibo had travelled from Lagos to Doha aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1408 on September 1, but became unreachable after arriving in the country, prompting her family to raise the alarm.
Her brother, Jonathan Jibo, had appealed for help after the person designated to pick her up from the airport could not locate her.
According to the family, Saratu was travelling to Qatar for the first time and had no friends in the country who could immediately assist in tracing her. Her accommodation had reportedly been arranged before her departure, while arrangements had also been made for her airport pickup.
Saratu, who had reportedly worked at Lagos airport for nearly 12 years, was travelling to Qatar ahead of a new job.
As concerns grew, the family sought the assistance of the Nigerian Embassy in Doha, Qatar Airways and other relevant authorities.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also became involved, with its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, assisting efforts to establish what happened after Saratu left the airport.
Earlier checks showed that Saratu had arrived safely, collected her luggage and exited the airport terminal, according to CCTV information obtained through the airline.
The development had raised further questions about where she went after leaving the airport.
However, the search ended on Sunday, September 6, when Jonathan confirmed that his sister had been found.
“Good news… My sister has been found today, she was sick and was taken to the hospital from the airport,”
Jonathan said in an update shared on X.
The NCAA's Michael Achimugu also confirmed that Saratu was safe. Other reports said she had been cleared by Qatari authorities and had regained possession of her belongings.
Jonathan expressed appreciation to everyone who helped amplify the family's appeal, particularly the Nigerian Embassy in Doha, Qatar Airways and Michael Achimugu.
He also thanked Nigerians and other social media users who joined the search and helped draw attention to his sister's disappearance.
The development brings an end to days of uncertainty for the family, with Saratu now safely accounted for.
Source: Premium Times, NCAA updates
