The Nigerians who were recently stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) after being lured into a fraudulent mining job have finally arrived safely at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the nation’s capital.
Their plight gained national attention after a viral video showed the distressed group who had been abandoned by their employer and left unpaid for 11 months pleading for help. The swift intervention of the Nigerian Embassy in CAR, in collaboration with local security agencies, led to their rescue and evacuation from their remote location.
The journey to Bangui took several days, as the victims, visibly traumatised and weak, were escorted by CAR security officials and received by the Nigerian Embassy.
According to the Nigerians, they were recruited for mining jobs in CAR by a Chinese national and a Nigerian agent, only to be abandoned without remuneration or support. The Nigerian agent, who orchestrated their travel and job placement, has been identified and is currently residing in Nigeria. He is expected to face prosecution.
Speaking on the development, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed that the victims are now in safe custody and the Commission is working closely with relevant authorities to facilitate their return to Nigeria.
The rescued Nigerians expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, officials of the Nigerian Embassy in CAR, security agencies in CAR, and fellow Nigerians who amplified their ordeal and advocated for their rescue.
