In a recent interview shared by Arise News, Mercy Olugbenga, a Nigerian migrant who was rescued from Libya, shared her painful experience of being trafficked and trapped for four years.
She explained that her troubles began when her mother fell ill. “My mom was sick. She had a kidney problem. So we had to sell all our properties and there was nothing else. It’s only her and my brother. There is no family anywhere. All our family deserted us. So there was no option. I didn’t even know I was going. It was a day before I knew I was traveling.”
According to Mercy, she was told there was a job opportunity in Libya, and without much thought, she agreed to travel. “I heard it from someone that there’s a job in Libya. I didn’t even think twice. I just said I will follow you.”
However, upon arrival, she faced harsh discrimination. “Those people, they don’t like us. They don’t like us in the sense that they see us as maybe competitors or because they knew wherever Nigerians are, they might take over. So, they treat us like animals.”
Mercy revealed that in her last workplace she was locked up for a year. “In my room they locked the door before going out. They locked the outside door. They locked the gate door. So I was stranded in that house. Every month they bring a nurse home to withdraw my blood.”
Her story highlights the dangers of irregular migration and the exploitation many Nigerians face abroad.
