By Matthew Denis
A group of stranded Nigerians in the Central African Republic (CAR) has been successfully evacuated and is now under the care of the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, following a rapid intervention by the Federal Government in response to a viral video plea for rescue.
The repatriated individuals, reportedly lured abroad under false pretences through an international labour scam, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for acting swiftly on their appeal. They also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Nigeria’s Ambassador to CAR, Ambassador Babagana Ahmed; and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NIDCOM, the victims were deceived by a Chinese national in collusion with a Nigerian recruiter who promised them jobs in mining operations in CAR. Once there, the workers were abandoned and left unpaid for 11 months.
The group, visibly weak and traumatised, had no access to their families or any means of returning home. Their recorded appeal for help, which circulated widely online, prompted the Nigerian government’s intervention.
Upon receiving the distress message, the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui worked with CAR security authorities to locate and transport the affected individuals to the capital over a period of several days.
“The Nigerians are now in safe hands and arrangements are ongoing to ensure their safe return home,” Balogun said.
NIDCOM has also confirmed that the Nigerian recruiter involved in the deceitful scheme has been traced and is currently in Nigeria. Legal action is expected to follow in line with applicable laws.
The rescued workers also extended their gratitude to the CAR security operatives and to Nigerians on social media who helped draw attention to their ordeal, which ultimately led to their safe recovery.
