Abia Women Rescued from Libyan Slave Camp Through Hon. Peter Azubuike’s Humanitarian Intervention

Two young women from Abia State, Miss Ihechi Uchenna and Miss Evelyn Gabriel, have regained their freedom after enduring two years of abuse, forced labour, and captivity in Libya — following the swift intervention of Hon. Peter Azubuike, a businessman, philanthropist, and Labour Party chieftain.

Ihechi and Evelyn reportedly left Nigeria for Libya in 2023 after being deceived by traffickers who promised them better job opportunities abroad. Upon arrival, they were forced into domestic servitude and subjected to severe inhumane treatment in what they described as a “slave camp.”

Disturbing videos of their ordeal later surfaced online, sparking outrage and sympathy from Nigerians. Despite their desperate appeals to return home, their captors refused to release them, insisting they must repay the money allegedly spent on their journey before regaining their freedom.

Following several failed escape attempts and escalating threats from their traffickers, Hon. Peter Azubuike stepped in to facilitate their rescue. Collaborating with the Abia State Union in Libya, led by Comrade Ifeanyi Nworu, and the Travel and Intervention Committee chaired by Evangelist Emma Josiah, Azubuike mobilized the funds needed to settle the captors’ demands, amounting to millions of naira.

He also financed their repatriation to Nigeria and, during the Obingwa Youth Empowerment Summit held on August 11, presented ₦500,000 each to the women to help them rebuild their lives through small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Azubuike said he was deeply moved after watching the viral video of the victims’ suffering, adding that he could not rest until they were rescued.

“It was heartbreaking to see our daughters subjected to such cruel conditions abroad. I knew I had to act immediately to bring them home,” he said. “We must raise awareness to stop others from falling victim to these human trafficking syndicates.”

He cautioned against fraudulent migration schemes that lure young Nigerians with promises of lucrative jobs overseas, only to trap them in slavery and exploitation.

“Many people, especially young girls, are deceived into traveling abroad for fake opportunities. Once they arrive, they’re enslaved and abused — some never make it back alive,” he warned.

Upon their return, Ihechi and Evelyn expressed immense gratitude to Hon. Azubuike and the Obingwa Youth Empowerment Summit for their rescue, recounting how they were deceived, detained, and subjected to daily abuse while in captivity.

Members of the Obingwa Youth Empowerment Summit praised Hon. Azubuike for his compassion and selflessness, describing him as a true humanitarian and role model.

A member of the group, Mr. Victor Njoku, commended him for his consistent support to the needy and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon his life.

The youths also urged Hon. Azubuike to contest for the Obingwa/Osisioma Ngwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections, citing his dedication to community development and youth empowerment.