The Federal Government has begun efforts to rescue a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Bambari region of the Central African Republic (CAR), following the circulation of a viral video showing their distressing conditions.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the affected individuals had been abandoned by their employers and facilitators approximately 850 kilometers from the capital city, Bangui.
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According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui have established contact with the stranded nationals and are actively working with local authorities to ensure their safety and swift evacuation.
“The passports of the affected Nigerians have been successfully recovered,” Ebienfa stated. “A vehicle has been dispatched to Bambari to bring them back to Bangui, where they are expected to arrive under military escort.”
The Ministry further disclosed that talks are ongoing with the employer regarding arrangements for temporary accommodation and welfare support while the Nigerians await repatriation to Nigeria.
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Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the safety and dignity of all citizens abroad, the Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Nigerians seeking work opportunities overseas to verify the credibility of their employers and ensure all proper travel documentation is in place before departure.
In addition, Nigerians are encouraged to register with the nearest Nigerian mission upon arrival in any foreign country. “This is a preventive step to help manage consular emergencies and protect citizens’ rights,” the Ministry noted.
The incident has sparked public concern across social media, with many Nigerians calling for stricter regulations on labour migration and better protection mechanisms for citizens working abroad.