Sharon Adurokiya, Reporting
A 37-year-old Nigerian woman who vanished shortly after arriving in Doha has been found safe in a local hospital, bringing an end to days of agonising uncertainty for her family.
Saratu Jibo, who had travelled from Lagos to Qatar aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1408, became unreachable after her arrival, sparking frantic concern among relatives and a widespread social media campaign to locate her.
Her brother, Jonathan Jibo, confirmed the breakthrough on Sunday, revealing that his sister had fallen ill immediately upon arrival and was taken to hospital directly from the airport.
”Good news… My sister has been found today. She was sick and was taken to the hospital from the airport,” he announced in an update shared on X, formerly Twitter.
First-Time Traveller
Ms Jibo, who had spent nearly 12 years working at Lagos airport, was making her maiden journey to Qatar.
She had been due to commence a new job in the Gulf state weeks after her arrival, with accommodation reportedly arranged and paid for months in advance.
A designated individual had been waiting at the airport to collect her, but was unable to locate her after she cleared immigration and collected her luggage.
Her whereabouts subsequently remained a mystery, prompting the family to seek urgent assistance.
Multi-Agency Search
Relatives enlisted the support of the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar, Qatar Airways, and other relevant authorities in their bid to trace her.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority also joined the investigation, working to establish what had become of her after she departed the arrivals hall.
The family’s persistence, combined with the viral spread of the missing-person appeal across social media, ultimately contributed to her discovery.
Relief and Gratitude
Mr Jibo expressed profound gratitude to all those who assisted in the search, including the Nigerian Embassy in Doha, Qatar Airways, NCAA officials, and the countless Nigerians and social media users who helped circulate the appeal.
The family’s latest update has brought welcome relief after days of mounting anxiety, with Ms Jibo now receiving medical care and reportedly in stable condition.
