'I will stay strong for my family' - Saskia speaks out

Saskia Iloba and her family could be forced back to Nigeria - where her father was allegedly murdered

The teenager who could be kicked out of the country after settling in Rochdale five years ago has spoken out for the first time.

Saskia Iloba, 17, spoke with Rochdale Online News today from inside the detention centre in Bedfordshire, where she and her family are being held, awaiting possible deportation back to Nigeria.

The former North Manchester High School pupil spoke of how she fears for her and her family’s lives, as her father was allegedly murdered there five years ago.

Herself, her mother, and her two brothers, Toby (18) and Emmanuel (14) are so frightened of returning that they refused to board a plane on Wednesday (15 July).

School teachers, fellow pupils, and family friends have all come forward as part of a campaign to help keep the “wonderful” family in the UK.

Saskia said: “I am trying to stay focused, and I am trying to have the strength and the power within myself to be there for my family at this time.

“It’s horrible in here. There are kids giving birth and it’s generally not a nice environment to be in. But I know we can pull through as a family.

She added: “I am overwhelmed at the level of support we have had from everyone – friends, teachers, the MP, even people I have never met have come forward to help, it’s amazing.”

Saskia continued: “I am so grateful to everyone who has been so supportive; we all appreciate it very much. I just hope this works out for us.”

The Iloba family were taken away from Rochdale home on Friday 10 July after the government decided they were to be forced back to Nigeria.

A DVD of the father’s funeral, along with the original death certificate, were seized as evidence, but it is now suspected that the vital evidence has gone missing. Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is due to meet with the Immigration Minister Phil Woolas MP to find out more about this after the weekend.