Taraba Youths in Diaspora (TYD) have called on the Taraba State Government to urgently intervene in the case of Jerry Yamlak Moses, a 17-year-old footballer from the state reportedly trapped in Serbia under exploitative and abusive conditions.
In a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Jalingo, the state capital, the leadership of TYD appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas and other state officials to take swift action to ensure Jerry’s safety and immediate repatriation to Nigeria.
Signed by its chairman, the group also urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate in securing the young footballer’s return.
“Jerry was lured to Serbia by a Slovenian national with promises of an international football career. Instead, he has allegedly faced physical abuse, financial exploitation, and visa-related issues,” the statement read.
Alleging that the young footballer has been subjected to physical abuse, the group accused the handler of collecting €1,500 monthly from Jerry’s sponsor while depriving him of his rightful earnings.
“The handler allegedly refused to renew Jerry’s visa, leaving him in a precarious legal position,” the statement added.
TYD emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between the Taraba State Government, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to secure Jerry’s safe return.
The group also stressed the importance of holding the Slovenian handler accountable for his actions.
While appealing for medical and psychological support for Jerry upon his return, TYD called for preventive measures to protect other young athletes from falling victim to similar exploitation.
“This is a clear case of inhumanity and exploitation,” the statement read. “We urge the government at all levels and well-meaning individuals to intervene without delay.”
The group reiterated its confidence in the state government’s ability to act decisively, ensuring justice for Jerry and setting a precedent to deter future cases of exploitation involving young talents.
