Japa: Rescued Nigerian Migrant’s Details Forced Blood Transfusions In Libya
By Abosede Temitope
A rescued Nigerian migrant, Mercy Olugbenga, has shared her harrowing experiences during her confinement in Libya, where she was subjected to monthly blood withdrawals by nurses for her employer’s ailing mother.
Speaking on ARISE TV’s Sunrise Daily programme, Mercy recounted her ordeal after being lured to Libya with promises of better opportunities to support her sick mother. At just 20 years old, she sold family property to fund her mother’s treatment, leading her to take a leap of faith that turned into a nightmare.
“My mum was sick; she had kidney problems. We sold everything we had, and there was no other family left to help,” Mercy explained, emphasizing her desperation.
Originally from Kabba in Kogi State, Mercy spent four years in Libya, where for a year and a half, she worked without earning a single Naira, using all her funds to pay off the agent who facilitated her journey, amounting to about two and a half million Naira.
Throughout her time in Libya, she faced severe mistreatment and continuous exploitation. “I was maltreated, I had to change jobs, and eventually found myself locked in a house where my blood was drawn without my consent,” she shared.
Mercy highlighted that her suffering was not unique; many other immigrants faced similar hardships. “They see us as rivals or threats, and they treat us like animals,” she lamented.
The most traumatic period occurred while working for her final employer, where she was confined for an entire year. Initially hired to care for the employer’s mother and handle household chores, her situation turned grim when the woman’s health deteriorated. “They locked the doors when they left,” she said, recalling her confinement.
During this period, nurses visited monthly to draw her blood. “I initially assumed it was a routine procedure, but the frequency was alarming. I later learned they were using my blood to treat their mother,” she recalled.
Mercy’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those seeking better lives abroad. “I don’t want any young girl or boy to endure what I went through. Please don’t take this path,” she urged, pleading for awareness and caution among potential migrants.
