*Photo: The abandoned Nigerian mining workers*
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) have both reacted to the plight of some Nigerians abandoned in Central Africa Republic (CAR) where they were allegedly taken by a Chinese company to undertake mining activities.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, in a statement on Friday, titled “Re: Nigerians in distress in CAR,” said:
“The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has been drawn to the distress call in a viral video where some Nigerians were allegedly maltreated in Central Africa Republic (CAR)
“The Nigerians were deceived and abandoned in a foreign land, forced to work for 11 months without pay. Their passports were confiscated, leaving them stranded. They urged the Nigerian government to intervene and rescue them.
“Sequel to this, the Commission immediately contacted officials of the Embassy in the CAR to look into the matter.
“It is gratifying to inform members of the public that contact has been established with them, their seized passports retrieved while plans are on to send a bus to convey them to the embassy in Bangui which is at least an eight hour drive.The agent in question has also been identified.
“This is to express the appreciation of the Commission to the officials of the Nigerian Embassy for their swift action.”
In a similar development, the President of Miners Association of Nigeria, (MAN), Chief Dele Ayanleke said machinery have been put in place to rescue and repatriate the stranded mining workers back home.
Reacting to a distress trending video of the stranded Nigerians posted on the WhatsApp News Platform of The Miners magazine and The Miners Online ( theminers.com.ng ), Chief Ayanleke commented thus: “We’re reliably informed that one of our members in Osun State Chapter of Miners Association of Nigeria is among these people.
“It’s also gladdening to know that one of those mentioned in connection with the ordeals of the victims is also known to our people in Osun and they’ve been making contacts to facilitate their rescue and repatriation, even as we’re made to believe that the Nigerian Embassy in CAR has taken up their matter.
“We shall continue to monitor developments.
“Thanks all for your concern and love for fellow citizens.”
