Twelve Nigerian men recently repatriated from the Central African Republic (CAR) have shared disturbing accounts of their ordeal in the hands of Chinese mining employers, alleging unpaid wages, abandonment, and sexual abuse during their 20-month stay.
Their emotional testimonies came during a visit to the headquarters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in Abuja, following their safe return to the country.
The group had previously gone viral in a video pleading for rescue.
According to a statement signed by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdurrahman Balogun, the workers were formally received by NIDCOM Chairperson, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside other officials on Friday.
The leader of the group, Igorigo Freeborn, recounted their harrowing experiences, including being owed 11 months’ salaries and subjected to sexual abuse.
“We were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR. I am not ashamed to say this, because others need to learn from it. We were treated inhumanely and left to suffer in the forest without food or pay,” he said.
Freeborn, who admitted to once doubting Nigeria’s ability to protect its citizens, expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all government agencies involved in their rescue.
“For someone like me who had little hope in Nigeria, this intervention gave us life again,” he added.
The men alleged that after months of grueling labour under harsh conditions, they were left stranded in the bush without food or shelter. Their employers not only withheld their wages but also subjected them to physical and psychological abuse.
Their plight drew attention from several federal institutions.
With the support of the Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, and other agencies, the workers were evacuated, provided medical attention, and brought back home.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa condemned the abuse as “utterly inhumane” and pledged that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, with justice pursued through appropriate diplomatic and legal channels.
She encouraged the returnees to work with NIDCOM in its ongoing awareness campaigns against irregular migration.
“We will not stop until justice is served. What you went through is unacceptable and we commend your bravery in speaking out,” she assured them.
To support their reintegration, NIDCOM provided cash relief to each of the returnees and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and private sector stakeholders to assist them further.
A separate donation was made by Perchstone and Greys, presented by Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation.
The funds, Adenugba said, were intended to serve as a seed to help the men rebuild their lives and create opportunities for themselves and their families.
List of returnees;
- 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
As of now, no response has been received from the accused employers.
