Soji Ajibola, Ibadan
Oyo State Government says no fewer than 40 female indigenes of the state have been sold into slavery in Lebanon.
The state government also said over 100 other Nigerians from various states were also working as domestic slaves in homes in Lebanon.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu, disclosed these to newsmen in her office in Ibadan on Wednesday.
She claimed that more than 40 females, who are indigenes of the state, as well over 100 other Nigerians were being used as domestic slaves in various homes in Lebanon.
Aliyu said, “We received nine Oyo State indigenes on July 11 and once those who are still there get clearance, the rest can return.
“There 40 ladies from Oyo State and over 100 others from various states in Nigeria in Lebanon. They use them as slaves there.
“Some of them work from morning till around midnight. Their masters even seize their passports; so, I believe they are being used as slaves.”
The Oyo governor’s aide, however, said concerted efforts were already being made to rescue the victims and repatriate them back to Nigeria.
She added that her office was working with the Nigerian Diaspora Commission headed by Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa to bring back Nigerians stranded in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries like Dubai, Oman and Saudi Arabia.