The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has said that 30 Nigerians, who were trafficked to Lebanon and left stranded there, had been rescued.
The commission said in a statement released by its Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit staff, Gabriel Odu, that the rescued people were among the 150 victims of trafficking that await evacuation to Nigeria.
NiDCOM disclosed that the victims were rescued after seeing them on video appealing to the Federal Government and influential Nigerians to help them.
According to NiDCOM, the stranded Nigerians had been taken to a more conducive apartment.
The statement read: “They will be part of 150 others to be evacuated to Nigeria after they were trafficked and left stranded in Lebanon.
“The Lebanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Houssam Diab, disclosed the evacuation plans when the Management of NiDCOM, led by the Secretary, Dr. Sule Bassi, visited that country’s mission in Abuja.”
“He said the 150 girls would be returned home in batches with the first group of 110 people leaving Beirut for Lagos on August 12.
“The second batch is expected to arrive in Abuja on August 16.
“The diplomat commended efforts of the Lebanese Community and the Oyo State government who is sponsoring the return of 55 of the girls.”