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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
A young Nigerian woman, Mercy Oluwagbenga, recently rescued from Libya, after a harrowing ordeal that captured national attention, has warned Nigerian youths against embarking on irregular migration routes.
Mercy, who was warmly received by the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, recounted her painful experience in Libya.
“Whatever your situation, do not travel through dangerous routes,” Mercy pleaded with tears. “I dropped out of school at 20 years old because I was lured with promises of a better future abroad, so I could raise money for my sick mother. But what I found was modern-day slavery.”
In an emotional testimony, Mercy described being trapped in Libya for one year and six months, working without pay to repay an agent a staggering sum of about N2.5 million. “I was maltreated, I changed jobs multiple times and, at one point, I was locked in a house where my blood was drawn without my consent,” she lamented.
An indigene of Kabba in Kogi State, she said: “Nigerians in situations like mine are treated like animals. I was lucky to escape into a camp.” She expressed profound gratitude to NIDCOM boss, Dabiri-Erewa, and Segun Abraham of Trinity Foundation, whose efforts and support facilitated her safe return.
The young returnee implored, “I don’t want any young girl or boy to go through what I went through. Please don’t follow this route.” She pledged to collaborate with NIDCOM to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.
She also mourned the loss of her sick mother while she was in Libya and earnestly appealed for assistance to return to school after dropping out in 2018 at 300 level.
Dabiri-Erewa praised her courage and survival, calling her “one of the lucky ones” amid many who have perished in the desert or Mediterranean Sea or remain missing.
“Irregular migration is voluntary suicide,” Dabiri-Erewa warned. She called on Nigerian youths to always use safe and legal travel channels and expressed gratitude to Abraham, whose financial support enabled Mercy’s repatriation.
The NIDCOM chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to Mercy’s full rehabilitation and ongoing collaboration with partners to protect Nigerians from human trafficking and irregular migration.
She also lauded President Bola Tinubu for introducing the NELFUND initiative, which aims to provide educational opportunities and financial support for youths like Mercy to prevent school dropouts driven by lack of funds.
