Nigerian Miners Abandoned in CAR: Government Rescues, Reps Investigate
The alleged desertion of Nigerian miners in the Central African Republic (CAR) has become a matter of significant national concern, prompting a swift intervention by the Nigerian government and an ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives.
The Viral Video and Disturbing Allegations:
The plight of the miners first gained public attention through a distressing viral video. In the footage, several Nigerian workers, visibly distressed, claimed they were lured to the Central African Republic with promises of lucrative mining employment but were subsequently abandoned. Their key allegations included:
Deceptive Recruitment: The miners stated they were recruited by a Nigerian businessman, often identified as Abdulrauf Ademola, who was purportedly linked to a Chinese mining company (some reports mentioned "Denaco Erado Mining Company").
Abandonment and Neglect: They alleged being left stranded in Senye, a remote village within CAR's Bambari region, without adequate food, shelter, or proper support.
Unpaid Wages: A major grievance was the claim of working for an extended period, in some cases up to 11 months, without receiving their promised remuneration.
Passport Seizure: The alleged confiscation of their international passports was a critical complaint, effectively trapping them in the foreign country.
Inhumane Conditions: The video powerfully conveyed the dire and inhumane conditions faced by the stranded Nigerians.
Federal Government's Swift Response and Rescue Operation:
Upon the widespread circulation of the video and the urgent distress call, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), launched an immediate intervention.
Rescue Confirmed: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, officially confirmed on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, that the stranded Nigerian workers had been successfully rescued.
Safe at Embassy: The workers are now in the safe custody of the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the capital of CAR. Officials from the embassy, with crucial assistance from CAR security personnel, located the miners and facilitated their challenging journey from the remote mining site to the capital.
Repatriation Underway: Arrangements are actively being made for their eventual return to Nigeria. This process includes securing emergency travel documents and arranging flight tickets.
Agent Identified for Prosecution: NiDCOM has confirmed that the Nigerian agent accused of luring the group to CAR and abandoning them has been identified and is currently in Nigeria. The commission expects this individual to face prosecution for their alleged actions.
House of Representatives Launches Comprehensive Investigation:
The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, chaired by Honourable Jaafaru Yakubu, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Expressions of Concern: The committee expressed deep regret over the unfortunate situation and reassured both the public and the affected workers that a thorough probe is underway to ascertain the full circumstances.
Investigation Focus: The investigation aims to unravel the truth behind all allegations, including abandonment, passport seizure, and unpaid wages.
Businessman's Denial: The accused businessman, Abdulrauf Ademola, has reportedly denied all allegations leveled against him, specifically refuting claims of passport confiscation, non-payment of salaries, and desertion of the workers.
Clarification on Chinese Affiliation: Importantly, the House Committee has clarified that Abdulrauf Ademola is not affiliated with the Chinese Embassy or the China General Chamber of Commerce. This distinction emphasizes that his alleged actions should not be linked to the legitimate operations of Chinese enterprises in Nigeria, thereby aiming to maintain balanced bilateral relations.
Call for Fair Reporting: The committee urged the media and the public to report on China-Nigeria relations in a fair, balanced, and truthful manner, reflecting the existing mutual solidarity between the two nations.
Accountability: The overarching goal of the investigation is to ensure full accountability for those found responsible and to prevent a recurrence of such distressing incidents involving Nigerian nationals abroad.
Broader Implications:
This incident underscores persistent concerns about labor protections for foreign or contract workers, particularly those operating in conflict-affected or less-regulated regions. It highlights the critical need for stricter enforcement of labor laws and ethical recruitment practices by individuals and companies operating internationally to safeguard the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad. The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has also indicated it is investigating the matter and urges Chinese companies to comply with local laws and cooperate fully with authorities.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
