The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has launched an investigation into a viral video showing Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), alleging abandonment and inhumane treatment by a Chinese mining company.

The video, which surfaced online last Thursday, features several Nigerian miners who claim they were lured to the CAR by promises of employment but were later abandoned in Senye, a remote village in the Bambari region. The workers said their passports were seized, their wages unpaid, and they were subjected to degrading conditions.

Appealing for help, the stranded workers called on Nigerians to amplify their plea and draw attention to their plight.

House Committee Launches Probe

In a statement issued Wednesday, Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, expressed deep concern over the situation and assured the public that a comprehensive investigation was underway.

“The committee regrets the unfortunate situation the Nigerian workers are being subjected to in CAR and assures them that a comprehensive investigation is currently ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to their ordeal,” Yakubu stated.

Accused Businessman Denies Allegations

The committee also addressed the role of Abdulrauf Ademola, a businessman named in the video by the workers. According to the committee, Ademola has refuted all allegations, including the claims of passport confiscation, unpaid salaries, and abandonment.

The statement clarified that Ademola has no affiliation with either the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria or the China General Chamber of Commerce, urging the public to refrain from linking his alleged actions to legitimate Chinese enterprises operating in the country.

“His actions or inactions should not be linked to the embassy or Chinese enterprises doing their legitimate businesses in Nigeria,” the committee added.

Diplomatic Ties and Responsible Reporting

Hon. Yakubu reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and China, noting that bilateral relations have yielded progress in areas such as infrastructure, trade, investment, human capital development, and people-to-people exchanges.

He appealed to the media and the public to report on China-Nigeria relations with accuracy, balance, and fairness, so as not to jeopardize mutual understanding and diplomatic cooperation.

Rescue Operation Confirmed

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday confirmed that the stranded Nigerian workers had been rescued. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa announced that the workers were now in the custody of the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the capital of CAR.

“Stranded Nigerian workers in the Central African Republic have been successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui,” Ebienfa said.

The Ministry commended the Embassy staff and the Government of the Central African Republic for their cooperation and swift intervention in the rescue effort.

The House Committee has pledged to continue its probe to ensure full accountability and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents involving Nigerian nationals abroad.