…As agency receives another rescued youth from Libya
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has warned that Nigerians leaving the country through illegal channels are effectively risking their lives.
The NIDCOM CEO made the warning while receiving Mercy, a young Nigerian girl recently rescued from Libya, at her office. Mercy had gained attention through a viral video in which she pleaded for help.
Mercy recounted her ordeal and urged other young Nigerians to avoid irregular migration. “Whatever your situation, do not travel through dangerous routes,” she said.
The 20-year-old, an indigene of Kabba in Kogi State, revealed that she dropped out of school and was lured to Libya with promises of better opportunities to support her sick mother. Instead, she became trapped in conditions she described as modern-day slavery.
“For one year and six months, I worked without receiving a kobo because I had to pay the agent who took me to Libya about two and a half million naira. I was maltreated, forced to change jobs, and at one point locked up in a house where my blood was drawn without my consent,” she recalled tearfully.
Mercy described Nigerians in her situation as being “treated like animals” and said she was fortunate to escape to a camp. She expressed gratitude to Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM, and Dr. Segun Abraham of the Trinity Foundation for facilitating her safe return.
“I do not want any young girl or boy to go through what I experienced. Please do not follow this route,” Mercy pleaded, promising to collaborate with NIDCOM to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration. She also appealed for assistance to return to school, which she abandoned in 2018 while at 300 Level.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commended Mercy for her courage and survival, describing her as “one of the lucky ones,” and noted that many others have perished in the desert or Mediterranean Sea, while some remain untraceable.
The NIDCOM chief reiterated that irregular migration amounts to “voluntary suicide” and urged Nigerian youths to always use safe and legal channels for travel. She thanked Dr. Segun Abraham for providing the financial support that made the repatriation possible.
Dabiri-Erewa assured that NIDCOM will facilitate Mercy’s full rehabilitation and continue working with partners and stakeholders to protect Nigerians while intensifying advocacy against human trafficking and illegal migration.
She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing NELFUND, which will offer Nigerians like Mercy opportunities to complete their education instead of dropping out due to financial constraints.
