From mercy Peter
Nigerians have been warned against travelling through illegal routes.
A young Nigerian woman, Mercy Oluwagbenga, who was recently rescued from Libya issued the warning during her visit to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission on Wednesday in Abuja.
“Whatever your situation, do not travel through dangerous routes,” the 20 years old lady said.
Oluwagbenga, whose tearful plea for help went viral before she was rescued and flown back home with the support of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the Trinity Foundation, said she dropped out of school in 2018 to care for her sick mother and was lured to Libya with promises of greener pastures.
Instead, she endured what she described as modern-day slavery.
“For one year and six months, I worked without receiving a kobo because I had to pay the agent who trafficked me about ₦2.5 million. I was maltreated, forced into jobs, and even locked up while my blood was drawn without my consent,” she recalled.
Mercy eventually escaped into a camp before her rescue. Sadly, her mother died while she was trapped in Libya. Now back home, she is pleading for support to return to school and rebuild her life.
“I don’t want any young girl or boy to go through what I went through. Please don’t follow this route,” she said.
Receiving her in Abuja, NIDCOM boss Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa praised her courage, describing Mercy as “one of the lucky ones.”
“Many others have died in the desert or the Mediterranean Sea, while some remain untraceable,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “Irregular migration is voluntary suicide. Nigerian youths must seek only safe and legal channels to travel.”
She assured that NIDCOM will support Mercy’s rehabilitation and step up advocacy against human trafficking.
Dabiri-Erewa also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing NELFUND, which she said will help young Nigerians like Mercy complete their education instead of dropping out due to financial hardship.
She further thanked Dr. Segun Abraham, whose financial support made Mercy’s repatriation possible.
