......Over 100 more await evacuation

By Reporter

Aug. 4, 2020 - Following a cry on appeal in a video footage which went viral on social media, 30 Nigerians ladies who were trafficked and left stranded in Lebanon have been rescued.

About 150 other victims are also awaiting evacuation to Nigeria, a statement from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

The Humanitarian Post reports that the stranded girls made an appeal to the Nigerian Government and well-meaning Nigerians to come to their aid viral on the Internet.

The appeal for help by the stranded Nigerians however led to their rescue by officials of the country’s mission in Lebanon.

The stranded Nigerians have already been relocated to a more conducive apartment.

“They will be part of 150 others to be evacuated to Nigeria after they were trafficked and left stranded in Lebanon.

Mr Houssam Diab, Ambassador of Lebanon to Nigeria, disclosed the evacuation plans when the Management of NIDCOM, led by the Secretary, Dr Sule Bassi, visited that country’s mission in Abuja.

Diab said that the 150 girls would be returned home in batches with the first group of 110 people leaving Beirut for Lagos on Aug. 12, and the second batch expected to arrive Abuja on Aug. 16.

The Ambassador also commended efforts of the Lebanese Community and the Oyo State Government who is sponsoring the return of 55 of the girls.

NIDCOM Chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, acknowledged the excellent ties between Nigeria and Lebanon, urged both countries to sustain the cordial relationship.

Represented by the Secretary of the commission Bassi, also lauded the Nigerian Ambassador to Lebanon, Amb. Goni Madu Zanna Bura for his dedication and commitment.

Bassi also commended the staff of the Nigerian mission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Oyo and Ogun state governments and other strategic partners for their efforts.

“As part of the Nigerian Embassy’s Consular responsibility, the ladies in the said video that went viral and many other distressed Nigerian domestic workers were located and relocated to a safer place.

“Suffice it to say that 150 of these stranded victims are expected to be evacuated next week and handed over to NAPTIP, the agency responsible for (dealing with human) trafficking.

“A break down of the evacuees shows that Oyo State had 41, Ogun 21, Lagos 12, Ondo 18, Osun 26, and Imo 3.

Others are Kwara– 9, Enugu — 1, Ekiti — 6, Kogi — 1, Edo — 1, Delta — 3, Ebonyi — 1, Benue — 1, Abia — 1, Akwa Ibom — 1, and Anambra — 1,” he said