MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Liberian Government has turned-over sixteen trafficked Sierra Leoneans to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for onward repatriation to their country.

The victims were officially handed over Monday, August 22, 2022, by the Ministry of Labor.

Labor Minister Charles Gibson said the Sierra Leoneans were allegedly trafficked into Liberia under the pretext of travelling to Oman, the Middle East, and other countries, for employment and quality education.

Minister Gibson said:” The traffickers were arrested by the Liberia National Police, prosecuted, found guilty and sentenced by Liberian authorities consistent with the human trafficking law of the country.”

He told a news conference Monday that the victims will be repatriated on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Also speaking, Deputy Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Liberia, Jonathan Siaffa, ex pressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for rescuing his compatriots.