- Dabiri Erewa Demands Justice Over Deaths of Nigerians in S’Africa
- Victims reportedly shot at close range by masked gunmen
- Dabiri-Erewa demands thorough investigation
The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri Erewa, has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian traders in South Africa, calling the act senseless, brutal, and unacceptable.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the victims, identified only as Austin and Ayo, were reportedly shot at close range by masked gunmen in Durban.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Former Presidential Aspirant Returns To PDP
- APC Governors Hold Closed-Door Talks Ahead Of NEC Meeting
- Electricity Price Cuts: Discos Reject Tariff Talks With States
Preliminary reports suggest that the attackers stormed Austin’s office and opened fire, killing both men instantly.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur Rahman Balogun, Dabiri Erewa confirmed that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is already investigating the incident.
She called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, described the killing of two Nigerian Traders in South Africa by unknown gunmen as intolerable and senseless, with a call to fish out the culprits.
“She said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is looking into the matter.
Dabiri-Erewa said this latest unprovoked killing is condemnable and barbaric, calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and expose the perpetrators, ” the statement partly read.
Balogun said she lamented the non-implementation of the early warning mechanisms earlier agreed upon by both countries to prevent such incidents, stressing the need for South Africa to take the arrangement seriously.
“She recalled that the early warning mechanism put in place by both countries to prevent such killings is yet to be implemented by South Africa,” the statement added.
While expressing her condolences to the families of the victims, Abike Dabiri Erewa gave her assurance that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure justice is done.
Amid growing tension within the Nigerian community in South Africa, the head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission urged everyone to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“Following tension rising amongst the Nigerian community in South Africa, Dabiri-Erewa has appealed for calm and urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands while awaiting the outcome of the investigations by the South African police authorities.
” She added that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has demanded a thorough and fair investigation into the incident, ” the statement stated.
