‘Avoid Dangerous Routes,’ Rescued Libya Returnee Urges Nigerians

Mercy Oluwagbenga, a young Nigerian recently rescued from Libya, has issued a heartfelt warning to fellow citizens, urging them not to embark on irregular migration through dangerous routes.

Oluwagbenga, whose cry for help in a viral video drew widespread attention, shared her harrowing experience with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja.

“No matter your situation, please do not take dangerous routes,” she pleaded while recounting her ordeal to NiDCOM Chairperson, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

She explained that she dropped out of school at age 20 and was lured to Libya with the promise of a better life so she could support her ailing mother. Instead, she ended up a victim of modern-day slavery.

“For a year and six months, I worked without earning a kobo because I had to repay the agent who took me to Libya—around two and a half million naira. I was constantly abused, changed jobs multiple times, and at one point, I was locked in a house where they drew my blood without my consent,” she said, visibly emotional.

Originally from Kabba, Kogi State, Mercy described how Nigerians like her were “treated like animals,” adding that she was fortunate to escape and find shelter in a camp.

She expressed deep gratitude to NiDCOM, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, and Dr. Segun Abraham of the Trinity Foundation, who facilitated her safe return to Nigeria.

“I don’t want any young girl or boy to go through what I went through. Please, don’t take this route,” she said, adding that she is now committed to working with NiDCOM to raise awareness against irregular migration.

Oluwagbenga also mourned the loss of her sick mother during her time in Libya and appealed for support to return to school, which she left in 2018 while in her third year at university.

In her remarks, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commended Oluwagbenga’s resilience and bravery, describing her as “one of the lucky ones,” and noting that many others have perished in the desert, drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, or remain unaccounted for.

She emphasized that irregular migration is tantamount to “voluntary suicide” and urged Nigerian youth to pursue only legal and safe means of travel.

The NiDCOM boss thanked Dr. Segun Abraham for his financial support in Mercy’s repatriation and assured that the commission would facilitate her full rehabilitation. She also reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to working with stakeholders to combat human trafficking and irregular migration.

Dabiri-Erewa applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which she said will provide support for young Nigerians like Mercy to continue their education and avoid dropping out due to financial hardship.

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