"Nigerian Miners Describe Sexual Abuse at the Hands of Chinese Employers After Their Rescue"
Nigerian Miners Rescued from Abusive Work Conditions in Central African Republic
Twelve Nigerian miners, who were stranded in a remote village in the Central African Republic (CAR), have been rescued after facing sexual abuse, unpaid salaries, and harsh working conditions for nearly 11 months[1][2][3]. The Nigerian government, led by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), coordinated the miners' rescue and repatriation.
Igorigo Freeborn, the leader of the rescued workers, expressed his gratitude for being spared their lives and spoke about the harsh and unsafe conditions they lived in while stranded in the forest. Freeborn also revealed that they were subjected to homosexual abuse by their Chinese employers in CAR[1][3].
The Nigerian miners were initially evacuated from the CAR to the Nigerian embassy in Bangui, the country's capital, before being repatriated to Abuja[1]. Upon their arrival, they were received by the Chairperson of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who described their ordeal as inhumane and assured that justice would be served[1][3].
NiDCOM also provided the miners with cash support to help them resettle pending payment of their salaries[1]. Dabiri-Erewa counselled the rescued men to be of good behavior and partner with the commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences[4].
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria acknowledged the allegations and emphasized the importance of compliance with local laws by Chinese nationals abroad[2][5]. The embassy has promised to investigate the claims thoroughly before releasing the results, demonstrating a commitment to due process[2][5].
This coordinated Nigerian government response highlights ongoing concern for labor abuses of Nigerian citizens abroad and seeks redress despite the cross-national dimension of the abuse involving Chinese employers in CAR. The rescued miners were assured that the commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up their case, offering hope for justice and a brighter future.
[1] The Nigerian miners rescued after 11 months of forced labor in Central African Republic. (2023, March 1). Premium Times. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/1016077-the-nigerian-miners-rescued-after-11-months-of-forced-labor-in-central-african-republic.html
[2] Nigerian miners rescued from forced labor in CAR accuse Chinese employers of sexual abuse. (2023, March 1). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/01/nigerian-miners-rescued-from-forced-labor-in-car-accuse-chinese-employers-of-sexual-abuse
[3] Nigerian miners rescued from forced labor in CAR speak out on sexual abuse, unpaid wages. (2023, March 1). Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/1/nigerian-miners-rescued-from-forced-labor-in-car-speak-out-on-sexual-abuse-unpaid-wages
[4] NiDCOM to ensure accountability for Chinese employers involved in abuse of Nigerian miners. (2023, March 1). The Cable. Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/nidcom-to-ensure-accountability-for-chinese-employers-involved-in-abuse-of-nigerian-miners
[5] Chinese Embassy in Nigeria promises thorough investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against Nigerian miners. (2023, March 1). Sahara Reporters. Retrieved from https://www.saharareporters.com/2023/03/01/chinese-embassy-nigeria-promises-thorough-investigation-allegations-sexual-abuse-against-nigerian-miners
- The rescued Nigerian miners, as they arrived in Abuja, were met by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), who showed concern for both their physical and mental well-being.
- As the general news of the miners' rescue spread, there was a surge in interest for discussions on sexual health, mental health, and overall wellness due to the revelation of the sexual abuse they endured.
- In addition to the cash support provided by NiDCOM, there was a call for the miners to seek professional help for any lasting traumas or issues surrounding their experience in the Central African Republic.
- Alongside interest in health and wellness, the incident also ignited conversations around crime and justice, as the public demanded accountability from both the Chinese employers and local authorities.
- In light of this incident, Naija's government agencies, like NiDCOM, have pledged to intensify their efforts in advocating for the rights and safety of Nigerians working abroad, particularly in unconventional sectors like mining.
