By: Mercy Peter
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in Durban, South Africa, describing the incident as “senseless and barbaric.”
In an official statement issued by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Commission’s Chairman Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed deep outrage over the killing and called on South African authorities to urgently identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
According to reports, the victims identified simply as Austin and Ayo were shot dead at close range by masked assailants in what appears to be a targeted attack. Eyewitness accounts allege that the gunmen stormed Austin’s office and fatally shot both men on the spot.
“This latest unprovoked killing is intolerable, condemnable and barbaric,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
“We are calling on the South
African authorities to launch a full and transparent investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice without delay.”
She revealed that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has already taken up the matter, with the Acting High Commissioner formally requesting a thorough and fair probe from South African authorities.
The NiDCOM boss also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that efforts are underway to ensure justice is served.
Dabiri-Erewa lamented the repeated loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa and noted that the early warning mechanisms jointly agreed upon by both countries to address such issues have yet to be effectively implemented.
“The continued delay in executing these preventive measures only leaves room for more violence,” she said.
With tensions reportedly rising among the Nigerian community in South Africa following the killings, the NiDCOM Chair appealed for calm, urging Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands.
“We understand the anger and frustration of our people, but we must allow the South African police to do their work. We are monitoring the situation closely and will follow up to ensure justice is done,” she added.
NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, while calling on host countries, particularly South Africa, to ensure the safety and security of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
