The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has cautioned Nigerians against illegal migration, describing it as a dangerous route that often leads to slavery.
The warning was issued by NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Wednesday in Abuja, following the rescue of 24-year-old Mercy Oluwagbenga from Libya. Ms. Oluwagbenga had reportedly left Nigeria in December 2021 through illegal channels after dropping out of the University of Ilorin in 2018.
Ms. Oluwagbenga’s plight came to light after she posted a viral video appealing for help. She was rescued through a joint effort by NiDCOM, the Nigerian Community in Libya, and the Trinity Foundation.
Recalling the ordeal, Dabiri-Erewa said the young woman had endured extreme hardships, including maltreatment by her employers, before reaching a private camp where she could be located and assisted.
“Going to Libya through illegal routes is voluntary suicide,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “Many others are not as lucky as Mercy. They end up in slavery, and some never make it back.”
Expressing gratitude for the rescue, Ms. Oluwagbenga promised to join efforts aimed at discouraging Nigerians from embarking on dangerous migration routes.
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