KEY POINTS
- Rescued Nigerians recount sexual abuse ordeal in CAR.
- Government agencies coordinated rescue and medical aid.
- Survivors receive cash support for reintegration.
Tears rolled down faces in Abuja on Friday as 12 Nigerian men, freshly rescued from the Central African Republic, relived a nightmare they thought they might never escape.
The men, who worked for a Chinese mining company, said they endured sexual abuse, forced labour, and months of starvation before their desperate video appeal sparked a government-backed rescue mission.
At the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) headquarters, their stories filled the air with grief and disbelief.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who chairs NIDCOM, received the group and vowed that the government will pursue justice under President Bola Tinubu’s “citizen diplomacy” approach.
Rescued Nigerians recount sexual abuse ordeal
Speaking for the group, Igorigo Freeborn painted a picture of torment—unpaid wages, forest encampments, starvation, and repeated sexual assaults. His voice cracked as he admitted: “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 their ordeal stretched nearly two years, with salaries withheld for 11 months and basic needs denied. “We were left stranded in the forest after work, unpaid and starving. But we thank God for sparing our lives to tell our stories today,” he said, adding that the intervention had reshaped his view of Nigeria’s government.
Government agencies lead multi-pronged rescue mission
The rescue was the result of coordinated efforts from the Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, Immigration Services, NEMA, and Nigeria’s mission in Bangui.
The men received urgent medical care in the Central African Republic’s capital before officials flew them back to Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa condemned their ordeal as “inhumane” and vowed to pursue swift legal action. She urged them to share their experiences to warn others against irregular migration, declaring, “Justice will be served.”
Fresh hope as support aids reintegration
Support did not end with repatriation. Each man received cash assistance from NIDCOM and further aid from the private sector. Law firm Perchstone and Greys, through the JAALS Foundation, provided additional financial support.
Toyin Adenugba, speaking for the foundation, said the aid would help rebuild lives, support families, and create opportunities. Those rescued include Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun, and Olayemi Peter Adewale.
Others are Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala, and Yusuf Bameyi.
According to Business Day, for now, the men are home, grateful, and bracing for justice to be served against their abusers.
The emotional reception closed with renewed calls for both government and private actors to sustain support for victims of trafficking and abuse abroad.
