‘We Were Sexually Abused by Our Chinese Employers in CAR – Rescued Nigerian Workers Cry Out

Twelve Nigerian workers rescued from the Central African Republic have alleged that their Chinese employers sexually abused them while also withholding 11 months’ salaries.

Twelve Nigerian workers who were recently rescued from the Central African Republic (CAR) have recounted harrowing experiences of sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands of their Chinese employers.

The men, whose distress video went viral three weeks ago, arrived in Nigeria this week and visited the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) office in Abuja, where they were received by the Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and senior management staff.

In an emotionally charged testimony, the group’s leader, Igorigo Freeborn, revealed that despite being owed 11 months’ salaries, they were also sexually abused.

“We were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR. I am not ashamed to say it. We were treated badly there, but thank God we are alive to tell our stories,” Freeborn said.

He added that their ordeal, which lasted for nearly 20 months, left them stranded in the forests, starved, and forced to endure unsafe living conditions.

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The victims expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, NEMA, the Immigration Service, and other agencies whose swift intervention secured their release and safe return.

A statement signed by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdurrahman Balogun, confirmed that with government support, the men were relocated to Bangui, given medical care, and later flown back to Nigeria.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa condemned the acts as inhumane and assured the returnees that government would pursue justice on their behalf. She also urged them to join NIDCOM’s advocacy against irregular migration.

To help them settle back home, NIDCOM provided cash assistance, while additional support came from Perchstone and Greys on behalf of the JAALS Foundation. The donations, according to Toyin Adenugba, were intended as seed capital to help rebuild their lives and support their families.

The rescued workers include: 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.