The Nigerian government through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has described the killing of two Nigerian Traders in South Africa by “unknown gunmen” as intolerable and senseless with a call to bring the culprits to justice.
In a statement, the Commission’s Spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on behalf of the Chairman NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is looking into the matter.
He said this latest unprovoked killing is condemnable and barbaric, calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and expose the perpetrators.
Prevent such killings
Mr. Balogun recalled that the early warning mechanism put in place by both countries to prevent such killings is yet to be implemented by South Africa.
He condoled with the families of the deceased, assuring them that justice will be served.
It was gathered that two Nigerians simply identified as Austin and Ayo were shot dead by masked gunmen in Durban, South Africa.
According to unconfirmed reports, the gunmen stormed Austin’s office, shot him and his visiting friend, Ayo at a close range with both dead on the spot.
Outcome of the investigations
Following tension rising amongst the Nigerian community in South Africa, the Commission’s Spokesperson 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.
He added that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has demanded a thorough and fair investigation into the incident.
Lateefah Ibrahim