- We Were S3xually Abus3d, Owed 11 Months’ Pay – Nigerian Workers Recount CAR Ordeal
- Igorigo Freeborn said the men endured 20 months of hardship
- Dabiri-Erewa condemned the abuse, describing it as “inhumane”
Twelve Nigerian men rescued from alleged abuse by their Chinese employers in the Central African Republic (CAR) have arrived home, recounting harrowing experiences of s3xual assault, months of unpaid wages, and inhumane treatment.
Eko Hot Blog reports that The workers, whose plea for help surfaced in a viral video three weeks ago, visited the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) headquarters in Abuja on Friday, where they were received by the Commission’s Chairperson, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other officials.
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Leader of the group, Igorigo Freeborn, said the men endured 20 months of hardship, including 11 months without pay, before their rescue.
“We were homos3xually abus3d by our Chinese employers. I’m not ashamed to say it because others should learn from it. We were treated badly, but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the story today,” Freeborn said.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, NIDCOM, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Immigration Service for their swift intervention.
According to Freeborn, the men were often left stranded in remote forests after work, without food or shelter. Following intervention from Nigerian authorities, they were relocated to Bangui, given medical care, and eventually repatriated.
Dabiri-Erewa condemned the abuse, describing it as “inhumane” and pledging that the government would pursue justice on their behalf.
“This will be taken up in line with the citizen diplomacy agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she assured.
The NIDCOM boss urged the returnees to join the Commission’s advocacy against irregular migration and presented each of them with cash support to help them settle back home.
Private donors also contributed to their rehabilitation. Mr. Toyin Adenugba, representing Dr. Tolu Aderemi of the JAALS Foundation, presented cash gifts to all 12 men, describing it as a “seed” to rebuild their lives and create new opportunities.
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, and Yusuf Bameyi.
Click here to watch video of returnees
