Nigerian Workers Rescued From CAR Allege Sexual Abuse By Chinese Employers

Rescued Nigerian workers, 12 in total, who were recently repatriated from the Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday, shared their harrowing experiences upon their return to Nigeria.

They alleged that they endured sexual harassment at the hands of their Chinese employers while working at a mining site.

The 12 men, whose plea for help went viral approximately three weeks ago, finally arrived in Nigeria and paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) office.

They were received by the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other members of the management staff.

Igorigo Freeborn, the spokesperson for the rescued workers, emphasised the importance of exposing the abuse they suffered.

He stated, “We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, and that included homosexual abuse, even though they owed us 11 months of salary.

” I’m not ashamed to say it. I want others to learn from our experience. We were treated terribly there, but thank God for sparing our lives so we can share our story.”

He continued, “I used to be critical of Nigeria, doubting if anything good could come from this country. However, we were all overjoyed to receive help and assistance from Nigeria.

” I want to take this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), NEMA, the Immigration Service, and other government agencies for their swift response in rescuing us.”

Freeborn recounted the immense suffering they endured during their 20 months abroad, urging the government to help them seek redress for the injustices committed by their employers.

They were often left stranded in the forest after work, without pay, and forced to endure harsh and unsafe living conditions while they were starving.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and ultimately brought safely back home.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the returnees to Nigeria and assured them that justice would be served.

She stated that the Commission, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the inhumane treatment they endured and vowed to pursue the matter to ensure justice is served, in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s citizen diplomacy initiative.

She also encouraged them to be law-abiding citizens and to partner with the Commission in its advocacy against irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM, through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, provided cash assistance to all the returnees to help them settle in while they await the resolution of their unpaid salaries.

She also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations to assist the returnees in reintegrating back into the country.

Mr. Toyin Adenugba, on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, presented a cash donation from Perchstone and Greys to each of the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a testament to their belief in the evacuees’ potential and was intended to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

The other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun, Olayemi Peter Adewale, Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala, and Yusuf Bameyi.