We suffer sexual abuse in CAR, say rescued Nigerians

Twelve Nigerian men recently freed from forced labour in the Central African Republic (CAR) have returned home with disturbing accounts of exploitation, including allegations of sexual assault by their Chinese employers.

The group, whose plight gained attention through a viral video appeal three weeks ago, was received in Abuja on Friday by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, their leader, Igorigo Freeborn, said they endured nearly two years of hardship, including 11 months of unpaid salaries and repeated abuse.

“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,” Freeborn said in a statement released by NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun.

Freeborn thanked the Nigerian government for its intervention, adding: “I used to think nothing good could come out of Nigeria, but we were so happy to receive help and succour from our own country. Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, NIDCOM, NEMA, Immigration and all those who helped.”

The rescue followed a coordinated effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Mission in Bangui, which relocated the workers, provided them medical care, and facilitated their safe return.

Dabiri-Erewa condemned the abuses as “inhumane and unacceptable,” assuring the returnees that the Federal Government would pursue justice and accountability. She urged them to become advocates against irregular migration, warning others about the risks of seeking opportunities abroad without proper channels.

As part of reintegration support, NiDCOM provided the returnees with financial assistance, while Perchstone and Greys, on behalf of the JAALS Foundation, also made donations.

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, and Yusuf Bameyi.

NiDCOM said it will work with relevant agencies to ensure that the Chinese employers allegedly responsible for the abuse are brought to justice.