Govt condemned over move to deport Nigerian schoolgirls

The Residents Against Racism group has condemned the Government following reports that deportation papers have been served on another Nigerian family in Athlone.

Reports this morning said the family, who include two schoolgirls aged 15 and 17, have been living in the Co Westmeath town for a number of years.

The younger of the girls is preparing to sit her Junior Cert, while the older girl is also studying in a local school.

Their mother reportedly claimed asylum on the basis that she was fleeing an abusive tribal marriage, but her claim for refugee status was rejected and she has now been told that she will be deported to Lagos within weeks.

Residents against Racism spokesperson Rosanna Flynn said she was "horrified" by the news, particularly given the outcry that followed the deportation of 20-year-old Leaving Cert student Kunle Elukanlo earlier this year.

"The people of Ireland are now making it very clear that they don't want this kind of thing to happen," Ms Flynn said.

"Families that have been here for a number of years and are well settled into Irish society, well-liked and taken to people's hearts are just being taken away and sent to Nigeria."