12 RESCUED NIGERIAN WORKERS ALLEGE SEXUAL ABUSE BY CHINESE EMPLOYERS IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (VIDEOS)

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Twelve Nigerian men recently freed from forced labour in the Central African Republic have returned home with harrowing experiences, including claims of sexual abuse by their Chinese employers.

The men, who had earlier gone viral in a video appeal three weeks ago, were welcomed in Abuja on Friday by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Speaking for the group, their leader, Igorigo Freeborn, recounted their ordeal, stating that they endured months of unpaid labour and sexual assault.

“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.

“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,” he said.

After the viral plea, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Mission in Bangui, facilitated the relocation of the workers to the CAR capital, provided medical treatment, and ensured their safe return to Nigeria.

In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa described the abuses as inhumane and unacceptable, assuring the returnees that the government would seek justice on their behalf. She stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu “stands firmly against the mistreatment of any Nigerian anywhere in the world.”

She also encouraged the men to act as advocates against irregular migration and to support sensitisation efforts aimed at warning others about the risks of such journeys.

As part of their reintegration, NIDCOM extended financial support to the returnees.

Additional donations came from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation.

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.