The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has stepped in to help a group of stranded Nigerians in the Central African Republic (CAR) after a troubling video surfaced online.
The video, which went viral across social media platforms, revealed that several Nigerians were left helpless in the country after being lured with fake promises.
They were reportedly held against their will, forced to work for 11 months without pay, and had their passports taken from them.
Following the outcry, NiDCOM wasted no time in launching an investigation into the incident.
According to Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM quickly reached out to the Nigerian Embassy in CAR.
In his words, “Contact has been established with the victims. Their passports have been retrieved, and efforts are ongoing to get them to Bangui.”
The affected Nigerians are currently located eight hours away from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the capital city of CAR.
A vehicle is being arranged to transport them safely to the embassy, where they will receive further help.
Moreover, NiDCOM confirmed that the unidentified agent who allegedly deceived and abandoned the victims has now been identified.
Appropriate steps are being taken to hold him accountable for the distress caused.
“The victims were deceived and abandoned by an unidentified agent after being lured into the country under false pretenses,” Balogun explained.
The Commission also praised the efforts of the Nigerian Embassy officials, who have been instrumental in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of the citizens involved.
In addition, NiDCOM used the opportunity to remind Nigerians to always verify international job offers and travel arrangements through official channels to avoid falling into similar traps.
The incident has sparked fresh concern over the increasing number of Nigerians being misled into unsafe labor conditions abroad.
Meanwhile, many online have expressed relief at the Commission’s swift action, noting that the response shows hope for stranded Nigerians overseas.
Therefore, this emphasizes the importance of active diplomatic missions and the role of government agencies like NiDCOM in resolving such critical matters.
