Emmanuel Ukudolo l Thursday, November 30, 2017
ASOKORO, Abuja, Nigeria – Civil right groups led by Charles Oputa’s Ourmumudondo, Concerned Nigerians, Coalition in Defence Of Nigerian Democracy, Campaign For Democracy and MAD Connect are this morning occupying the Libyan embassy in Asokoro, Abuja in protest over modern slavery and auctioning of Nigerians and other Africans for as low as $400 in Libya.
In a statement jointly signed by Charles Oputa(OurMumuDonDo), Deji Adeyanju (Concerned Nigerians), Ariyo Dare Atoye (Coalition in Defence Of Nigerian Democracy), Bako Abdul Usman (Campaign For Democracy) and Moses Paul(MAD Connect), the group said they are horrified by the reports and footage of hundreds of Africans, including Nigerians, being sold into slavery by slave dealers in Libya as published by CNN and several other international media houses.
“These videos show men, women and children being sold for as little as $400. They also show the dehumanizing conditions in which these victims are kept, beaten, starved and killed.
“It is shocking to find that slave trade, a horrible part of African history which is best confined to our collective past and best studied to avoid a repeat, is being conducted so brazenly in these modern times”, the group said.
It added that as part of efforts to condemn these acts of inhumanity, it is holding a peaceful sit outs in front of the Libyan Embassy in Nigeria at the Libyan Embassy, Roseline Ukeje Close, Kyari Muhammed crescent, off Justice Sowemimo street, Asokoro, Abuja.
“We urge all members of the public and the media to join us as we seek to promote humanity and the dignity of the African person”, the group said.
According to reports, most African migrants going to Europe via Libya are in detention in degrading condition, while others are auctioned in slave market.
