12 Nigerian Miners Rescued From Central African Republic Recount Horrific Ordeal
Government Intervention Brings Stranded Citizens Home
In a dramatic rescue operation, twelve Nigerian miners who endured eleven months of forced labor and alleged abuse in the Central African Republic (CAR) have finally returned home. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) spearheaded their repatriation after a viral video exposed their dire circumstances last month.
The miners, whose passports had been confiscated, were reportedly lured to CAR under false pretenses by a mining company that subsequently abandoned them without pay. Their desperate pleas for government intervention through social media caught the attention of Nigerian authorities.
Coordinated Rescue Effort
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa received the traumatized miners in Abuja, revealing the extensive inter-agency collaboration that made their return possible. “This operation involved the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Immigration officials, our Embassy in CAR, and other critical partners,” Dabiri-Erewa explained.
The NiDCOM chief emphasized that their harrowing experience should serve as a cautionary tale for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad. “Always verify your employer’s legitimacy and prioritize your safety,” she advised, while assuring the returnees of continued government support.
Shocking Accounts of Abuse
Speaking through visible emotion, survivor Igorigo Freeborn described their ordeal as “dehumanizing,” alleging sexual molestation by a Chinese national identified as Mr Wu from Denaco Erado Mining Company. “Those who complained faced immediate dismissal and brutal treatment,” Freeborn revealed.
Another returnee, Rotimi Kupoluyi, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu’s administration for their swift response. “We never imagined our government would come to our rescue so promptly,” Kupoluyi stated, while appealing for help in recovering nearly a year’s worth of unpaid wages.
Government Pledges Continued Support
Dabiri-Erewa outlined comprehensive reintegration plans for the miners, including:
- Immediate cash assistance through bank transfers
- Skills assessment for potential job placements
- Legal efforts to recover their unpaid salaries
- Ongoing monitoring of their welfare
“Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, no Nigerian will be abandoned, regardless of where they find themselves,” the NiDCOM chief affirmed.
Civil Society Steps In
The JAALS Foundation, a human rights organization, presented the returnees with cash gifts to help them restart their lives. Represented by Mr Toyin Adenugba, the Foundation’s Secretary Dr Tolu Aderemi praised the miners’ resilience, describing the assistance as “a seed to grow something new.”
“This isn’t just about material support,” Adenugba emphasized. “We’re recognizing your incredible strength and the valuable perspective you’ve gained through this experience.”
Complete List of Returnees
The rescued miners include:
- Igorigo Freeborn
- Rotimi Kupoluyi
- Ajosi Julius
- Odeh Collins
- Anifowose Yekini
- Akubo Oluwasewu
- Olayemi Adewale
- Stephen Otidi
- Samuel Ojochenemi
- Alih Muhammed
- Bala Unekwu
- Yusuf Bameyi
As Nigeria continues to grapple with labor export challenges, this case highlights both the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and the growing capacity of government agencies to respond to diaspora emergencies. The miners’ ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with irregular migration, while their successful repatriation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated government action.
Full credit to the original publisher: Dateline Nigeria – https://dateline.ng/12-rescued-nigerian-miners-narrate-ordeal-in-car/