Hi @runcibleshaw!
My interpretation of your statement is that you're talking about the Night Axe Ogres. As they're an extra-planar race constructed specifically to be slaves the "savage natives" line kinda throws me.
However, if you are indeed speaking of the Night Axe, yes, their situation is exceptionally awful and dire. I really look forward to hearing the solutions your players come up with to get them out of the bind in which they find themselves.
All the best!
-Jacob