A coalition of Civil Society group today occupied the Embassy of Libyan in Abuja to protest the inhuman report of slave trade of Nigerians and Africans which is going on in Libya.The protesters who arrived at the Embassy wielding banners with bold inscription ” Slave Trade In Africa Must Stop” described as barbaric the inhuman treatment of Africans in Libya.
The group said that 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
The protesters expressed shock at the videos showing men, women and children being sold for as little as $400. The footage of the videos also shown the dehumanizing conditions in which these victims are kept, beaten, starved and killed.
Speaking through one of the Conveners and Coordinators of Concerened Nigerians , Deji Adeyanju said that it as an aberration to subject fellow human being to such barbaric and horrible treatment adding that it is a shame not only on Libyan but the entire African . He called on Nigerian government to be proactive to evacuate and ensure the safety of other Nigerians who are still stranded in the country.
Deji called on the Libya Government to act not just in the interest of the people that are affected alone but in the interest of humanity He added that Africans are also being used as sex slave.
According to him ” it is unacceptable to humanity, it unacceptable even to our culture because is alien and they should not try to redefine Africa . We have gone through the dark ages , we are now in the era of mordernising Africa . We should be the one setting the pace and be the example we want to see on the continent ” Deji stated.
The group called on Libyan to show more commitment to end this dastardly act and ensure that this does not represent the value and ideal of Libya people.
“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”
While calling on the African Union, the group noted that this is the time for the Union to show that their gathering is for the African continent and must ensure that such horrendous act is put to an end.
None of the officials of the Embassy was around to address the protesters as it was gathered that they took to their heels when they got the information about the protest .
The group vowed to march to the ministry of foreign affairs on Monday to compel the government to take proactive measure by deploying all her resources for the safety of Nigerians who are still stranded in Libya.
Heavy presence of armed policemen was noticed at the time of filing this report as they were stationed at the main gate of the Embassy.
Among the group are ; # OurMumuDonDo, Concerned Nigerians, , Campaign For Democracy ,Coalition in Defence Of Nigerian Democracy and MAD Connect.
Also present at the protest was popular musician, Charles Oputa ( Charly Boy) .
