By Cletus Felix
The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) is set to receive seven indigenes of the state who were among 231 Nigerian youths recently rescued from human traffickers in Ghana.
The rescue operation, coordinated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), represents a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerian youths abroad.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Chairman of CRIDCOM, Prince Otu, expressed profound appreciation to Wema Bank and the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their critical support in facilitating the repatriation of the victims.
The Commission noted that the successful rescue was the culmination of months of diplomatic engagement led by the Federal Government, through the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, NIDCOM, and Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rescue Life Foundation International/NIDO Ghana. These efforts resulted in a formal agreement with Ghanaian authorities for the release of the trafficked victims.
“CRIDCOM is set to receive seven Cross Riverians who were among the 231 Nigerian youths trafficked to Ghana and recently rescued through the efforts of NIDCOM.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to NIDCOM for facilitating their transportation back to Nigeria. We are equally grateful to Wema Bank and the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their invaluable support in this critical initiative,” the statement read.
The Commission further disclosed that many of the victims were exploited for cybercrime activities, held in captivity, and subjected to various forms of abuse prior to their rescue.
It also commended the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) of Ghana for its effective handling of the case and the humane treatment extended to the victims while in custody.
CRIDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims, pledging to provide the necessary care and support to help them rebuild their lives.
