Mercy Oluwagbenga, a young Nigerian recently rescued from Libya, has issued a strong warning to citizens against embarking on irregular migration through unsafe routes.

Narrating her ordeal to the Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDCOM) in Abuja she revealed how she was lured to Libya with false promises of greener pastures but ended up in a modern slavery.

The 20-year-old, who dropped out of school to support her sick mother, recounted working for over a year without pay while being humiliated maltreated and exploited. Tearfully, she described being locked up, denied her freedom, and even having her blood drawn without her consent.

Oluwagbenga, an indigene of Kabba in Kogi State, lamented that she lost her mother during her ordeal and pleaded with Nigerian youths not to take same path.

NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised her courage and survival, stressing that many others attempting irregular migration never make it back alive.

She urged Nigerian youths to embrace safe and legal channels for travel, while assuring that Oluwagbenga will receive full rehabilitation and support to return to school through initiatives such as NELFUND.