Twelve Nigerian workers, recently repatriated from the Central African Republic, have alleged sexual harassment by their Chinese employers at a mining operation.
The group – whose predicament came to light through a viral video three weeks earlier – returned to Nigeria and were formally received at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) by its chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside senior staff members.
Their spokesperson, Igorigo Freeborn, stated: “We were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR,” while further disclosing unpaid wages amounting to eleven months.
“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.
“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.
Freeborn detailed their 20-month ordeal since leaving Nigeria, appealing to the government for redress against their employers’ alleged mistreatment.
He described being abandoned without pay in remote forest conditions, leaving them starving in unsafe circumstances. Through coordinated efforts involving the Presidency, Foreign Ministry, NIDCOM and Nigerian diplomats, they were moved to Bangui for medical care before final repatriation.
Welcoming the returnees, NIDCOM Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa pledged to pursue justice through government channels, condemning the “inhumane treatment” and vowing to address the matter under President Tinubu’s citizen diplomacy framework.
The commissioner advised the men against irregular migration while providing immediate cash support. She appealed to philanthropists and corporations to assist their reintegration.
Law firm Perchstone and Greys, represented by Toyin Adenugba, donated funds to all 12 returnees. Adenugba stated this investment reflected belief in their potential to rebuild lives in Nigeria.
Other repatriated workers included Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.
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