We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers – Nigerian men rescued from CAR
Twelve Nigerian miners recently brought back from the Central African Republic (CAR) have shared shocking stories of abuse, exploitation, and neglect at the hands of their Chinese employers.
They described their experience as “horrible” and dehumanizing.
The men were repatriated after a viral appeal video drew national attention.
On arrival in Abuja, they were received at the headquarters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) by the Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other officials.
In a press release signed by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdurrahman Balogun, the workers revealed they endured months of unpaid labour, sexual abuse, and abandonment in remote mining sites without food, shelter, or medical care.
Speaking for the group, Igorigo Freeborn said they were owed 11 months’ salaries and suffered inhumane treatment for nearly two years.
“I am not ashamed to say it—we were treated horribly,” Freeborn said.
“We were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers, abandoned in the forest, and left to suffer without food or pay. But we thank God we survived to tell the story.”
He added that their rescue changed his view of Nigeria,“I used to believe nothing good could come from Nigeria, but the support we received has completely changed that. I want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Ambassador to CAR, NIDCOM, NEMA, the Immigration Service, and all government agencies that made our rescue possible.”
According to Freeborn, the men were first moved to Bangui, the capital of CAR, by the Nigerian Mission, received medical treatment, and were later flown home.
While welcoming them, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa condemned the abuses as “inhumane and unacceptable.”
She assured them that the Nigerian government would investigate the matter and take diplomatic action, stressing that President Tinubu remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad under his citizen diplomacy policy.
She also encouraged the men to join NIDCOM’s campaign against irregular migration by sharing their story to warn others.
To help them restart their lives, NIDCOM gave each returnee a cash relief package and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and private organizations to support their reintegration.
The rescued miners are: 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.”
We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers – Nigerian men rescued from CAR
