By Francis Ajuonuma
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed that the 12 Nigerian workers recently rescued from the Central African Republic (CAR) suffered sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands of their Chinese employers.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdurrahman Balogun, and made available to journalists, the rescued men narrated their ordeal when they paid a courtesy visit to the NIDCOM headquarters.
They were received by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Commission.
The leader of the group, Mr. Igorigo Freeborn, speaking through NIDCOM, revealed that they had been subjected to months of abuse.
“We were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR. I am not ashamed to say it. People need to learn from our ordeal. We were maltreated, left starving, and living in unsafe conditions. But today, we are grateful to be alive to tell our stories and to Nigeria for rescuing us,” Freeborn said.
According to NIDCOM, the victims had worked under inhumane conditions for over 20 months, owed 11 months’ salaries. They were abandoned in the forest before they were eventually relocated to Bangui with the help of the Nigerian Mission, provided with medical care, and flown back home.
Dabiri-Erewa, speaking on behalf of the Commission, described the acts as “inhumane” and assured that the Federal Government would take up the matter in line with President Bola Tinubu’s citizen diplomacy policy.
“This case will be pursued with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served,” she said.
NIDCOM also provided immediate cash support to the returnees and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to assist them in settling back into society.
Additionally, the evacuees received financial support from Perchstone & Greys on behalf of the JAALS Foundation, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba, who said the donation was aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and create new opportunities at home.
The rescued workers include: 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, and Igorigo Freeborn.
