Abike Dabiri-Erewa demands justice as tension rises among the Nigerian community in Durban; urges calm pending the outcome of investigations.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of two Nigerian nationals by unidentified gunmen in Durban, South Africa, calling the act senseless, intolerable, and deeply troubling.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as another painful reminder of the growing threats faced by Nigerians abroad, particularly in South Africa. In a statement issued by NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed deep concern over the violent deaths and called for urgent action by South African authorities.
“It is disheartening that despite existing frameworks such as the Early Warning Mechanism developed jointly by both Nigeria and South Africa to forestall such tragic incidents, the South African side is yet to fully implement the measures,” she noted.
The victims, identified as Austin and Ayo, were reportedly gunned down in cold blood by masked assailants who stormed Austin’s business premises in Durban. Eyewitness accounts, though yet to be officially confirmed, revealed that the attackers shot both men at close range, leaving them dead on the spot.
Dabiri-Erewa extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, assuring them that the Nigerian government, through its High Commission in South Africa, is fully engaged in ensuring justice is served. She emphasized that Nigeria will not rest until the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.
In the wake of growing unrest among the Nigerian community in South Africa following the killings, Dabiri-Erewa appealed for calm and urged citizens not to resort to retaliatory actions. “While we understand the outrage and pain this has caused, we must not take the law into our own hands. Let us give room for the law to take its course,” she urged.
She further disclosed that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has formally demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the killings, to hold those responsible accountable.
NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad and pledged continued collaboration with South African authorities to prevent a recurrence of such tragic events.
As investigations unfold, the incident once again raises pressing questions about the safety of Nigerian migrants and the lingering tensions in Nigerian-South African relations.
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