The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed concerns over reports of alleged rape, assault, and forced administration of unknown substances against Nigerian girls detained in deportation camps in New Delhi, India.
According to accounts and videos shared by some of the victims, the young women have allegedly been subjected to severe physical and sexual abuse, intimidation, and other degrading treatment in violation of their dignity and fundamental human rights.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, condemned the alleged abuses in the strongest terms.
“Nigerian citizens, wherever they are in the world, must not be treated as less than human, nor should their vulnerability be exploited under the guise of immigration procedures,” she said.
NiDCOM also raised concerns over claims of corrupt practices involving middlemen and certain groups that reportedly exploit and extort detained Nigerians, worsening their already dire conditions.
The Commission assured victims and their families that the matter will not be ignored, stressing that it has already engaged with the Nigerian High Commission in India, relevant Indian authorities, and international human rights organizations to establish the facts and ensure immediate intervention.
NiDCOM further called on the Government of India to urgently investigate the allegations, dismantle exploitative channels, and guarantee the safety and dignity of Nigerians within its borders.
“Our hearts go out to the young women and men enduring such traumatic experiences. We stand in solidarity with them and affirm that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens in their time of need,” the statement read.
The Commission pledged to follow up on the matter until justice is served and the rights and dignity of every Nigerian are protected.
Olusola Akintonde