“We Were Sexually Abused by Our Chinese Employers in CAR” – Rescued Nigerian Workers Lament

Twelve Nigerian workers trapped in the Central African Republic (CAR) who were rescued by the Federal Government have recounted their experiences of sexual abuse at the hands of their Chinese employers while working as miners.

The group, whose story gained attention through a viral video released three weeks ago, has returned to Nigeria and visited the office of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

They were welcomed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, along with other management staff, in Abuja on Friday.

In a statement made by Abdurrahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at NIDCOM, the leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn, emphasised the importance of sharing their story. He revealed that they had been denied 11 months’ worth of salaries and stated, “We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR. I am not ashamed to say it. I want others to learn from it. We were treated badly, but thank God for sparing our lives to tell our stories today.”

Freeborn confessed that, despite his previous criticisms of Nigeria, he was grateful for the support they received upon their return. “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, the Immigration Service, and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately,” he added.

Reflecting on their ordeal over the past 20 months since leaving Nigeria, Freeborn pleaded with the government to help them address the injustices they faced at the hands of their employers. He recalled being left stranded in the forest after work, without payment, which left them starving and subjected to harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were eventually relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and safely brought back home.

While welcoming the returnees, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa assured them that justice would be pursued. She condemned the inhumane actions and committed to working with relevant government agencies to ensure justice is served, in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She also encouraged the returnees to engage positively with the Commission’s advocacy against irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM, through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, provided cash support to all the returnees to assist them in settling down while they awaited their unpaid salaries. She called on well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to help the returnees reintegrate into society.

A cash donation 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, was also given to all twelve returnees. Adenugba explained that this support was meant to demonstrate belief in the returnees’ potential and to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

The rescued workers included 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.