Nigerians Freed After Viral Video Appeal
At least 12 Nigerian men rescued from forced labour in the Central African Republic (CAR) have safely returned to the country. Their desperate video appeal for help, which went viral three weeks ago, prompted swift intervention from the Federal Government.
On Friday, the returnees were officially received in Abuja by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who condemned their ordeal as “inhumane and unacceptable.”
“We Were Homosexually Abused” – Survivor Speaks
Speaking on behalf of the group, Igorigo Freeborn shared their harrowing experiences.
“We were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR. I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it,” he said.
Freeborn revealed that the men endured nearly two years of gruelling labour without pay, with their Chinese employers allegedly owing them 11 months’ salaries.
“We were treated badly there, but thank God we are alive to tell our stories,” he added.
Government Intervention and Rescue Operation
Following the viral video, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Mission in Bangui, and other agencies coordinated the workers’ relocation to the CAR capital, where they received urgent medical attention before being flown back to Nigeria.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa assured the returnees that the Nigerian government would pursue justice against their Chinese abusers.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu stands firmly against the mistreatment of any Nigerian anywhere in the world,” she stated.
Reintegration and Support
As part of their reintegration, NIDCOM provided financial support, while additional donations came from Perchstone and Greys, presented on behalf of the JAALS Foundation.
The Commission also urged the returnees to serve as advocates against irregular migration, warning Nigerians about the dangers of travelling abroad without proper documentation.
List of Rescued Workers
The names of the rescued Nigerians are:
Igorigo Freeborn
Rotimi Kupoluyi
Ajosi Julius
Odeh Collins
Anifowoshe Yekini
Akubo Oluwaseun
Olayemi Peter Adewale
Stephen Abel Otkli
Samuel Ojochenemi
Alih Joel Muhammed
Unekwu Bala
Yusuf Bameyi
NIDCOM’s Pledge for Justice
NIDCOM has vowed to work closely with relevant agencies to hold the Chinese employers accountable for the alleged abuse and exploitation.
The rescue highlights Nigeria’s renewed commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protect its citizens abroad and push back against human trafficking and forced labour.
