LIBYA RETURNEE WARNS NIGERIAN YOUTHS: DON’T RISK DEADLY ROUTES
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Mercy Oluwagbenga, a Nigerian returnee from Libya, is warning young people against irregular migration after surviving what she called modern-day slavery.
Lured in 2018 with promises of better opportunities, Mercy dropped out of school to help her sick mother but ended up enduring forced labour, abuse, and even having her blood drawn without consent. She spent over a year in captivity before being rescued with the help of NIDCOM and Trinity Foundation. Sadly, she lost her mother while still trapped.
“I beg every youth, don’t take these dangerous routes,” she pleaded, appealing for support to finish her education.
NIDCOM’s Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa praised Mercy’s courage, warning that irregular migration is “voluntary suicide,” as many die in the desert or drown in the Mediterranean. She assured that Mercy will receive full rehabilitation support while urging youths to embrace opportunities like NELFUND.