The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has consoled the families of two Nigerians who were killed in separate violent incidents in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early days of the new year.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, described the incidents as deeply troubling, while extending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
The condolence message was conveyed through the Commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
Dabiri-Erewa commended the swift response of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, urging them to conduct thorough, transparent and timely investigations to ensure that justice is served.
She further assured them that NiDCOM would work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the United Kingdom and Canada to provide the necessary support to the affected families, in line with the Commission’s mandate to protect and assist Nigerians in the diaspora.
According to reports, one of the victims, John Temitope Onetufo, a 23-year-old Nigerian, was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of London.
In Canada, Mr Osemwengie Irorere, a 46-year-old Nigerian, was shot and killed at the Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal in Toronto on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerians abroad and pledged continued engagement with relevant authorities to support justice and accountability in both cases.
Lateefah Ibrahim