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

The group, who had been stranded for months, arrived safely in Nigeria on Friday, August 15, and were received in Abuja by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Speaking on behalf of the victims, Igorigo Freeborn revealed that they were not only denied their salaries for 11 months but were also subjected to sexual abuse by their employers.

“I am not ashamed to say it — we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers. We suffered greatly but thank God we are alive to tell our story. I used to doubt Nigeria, but today, I’m grateful to the government for rescuing us,” Freeborn said.

The workers explained that they endured over 20 months of hardship, including being abandoned in the forest, starving, and living in unsafe conditions after working without pay. Their eventual rescue was made possible through the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, NEMA, Immigration, and the Nigerian Mission in CAR.

While welcoming them, Dabiri-Erewa strongly condemned the inhumane treatment, assuring the victims that justice would be pursued.

“This matter will be taken up to ensure justice is served in line with President Tinubu’s citizen diplomacy agenda,” she said.

She also offered cash support to help the men resettle and urged Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist them as they reintegrate into society.

The rescued workers include Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun, Olayemi Peter Adewale, Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala, Yusuf Bameyi, and Freeborn himself.

NIDCOM further advised them to partner with the Commission in its campaign against irregular migration, stressing the dangers of unsafe work arrangements abroad.