Stranded Nigerian miners in the Central African Republic (CAR) have safely arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui following a viral video appeal that sparked swift intervention from Nigerian officials and local security forces.
The miners, who reportedly endured 11 months of unpaid labour, alleged they were recruited by a Chinese national and a Nigerian agent, who later abandoned them without compensation. Their journey to the capital, Bangui, took several days under the protection of CAR security and embassy staff.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), confirmed that the visibly distressed and traumatised miners are now under the care of Nigerian embassy officials, who are making arrangements for their return home.
“They are now in the safe hands of officials of the Nigerian Embassy who will arrange their return back home,” the statement read.
The rescued miners expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian embassy staff, CAR security agencies, and Nigerians who amplified their plight.
NIDCOM further disclosed that the Nigerian agent allegedly responsible for luring the miners into the job scheme has been identified and is currently in Nigeria. He is expected to face prosecution.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident following the viral video, which alleged abandonment and passport seizure by a Nigerian businessman linked to a Chinese firm.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, the committee expressed regret over the miners’ ordeal and assured the public of a thorough probe.
The businessman accused in the video, Abdulrauf Ademola, has denied the allegations, including the seizure of passports and non-payment of salaries. The committee also clarified that Ademola has no ties to the Chinese Embassy or the China General Chamber of Commerce.
“His actions or inactions should not be linked to the embassy or Chinese enterprises doing legitimate business in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming the strength of China-Nigeria relations, the committee highlighted ongoing collaborations in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, and human capital development. It called on the media and public to ensure balanced reporting that reflects the mutual partnership between the two countries.
