The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the recent killing of two Nigerian traders in South Africa, describing the act as brutal and senseless.
In a statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed deep concern over the murder of the two victims, identified simply as Austin and Ayo, who were reportedly gunned down by masked assailants in Durban.
She revealed that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is already engaging with local authorities to investigate the incident, and she urged South African officials to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice.
Calling the attack unprovoked and barbaric, Dabiri-Erewa criticized the South African government for failing to fully implement the early warning system jointly agreed upon by both countries, which was designed to prevent such tragic incidents.
The NIDCOM chief extended condolences to the bereaved families and reassured them that the Nigerian government is committed to ensuring justice is done.
Diaspora NG had reported that Austin was in his office when masked gunmen stormed in and opened fire, killing him and his friend Ayo, who was visiting at the time. Both men died instantly.
Amid rising tension within the Nigerian community in South Africa following the killings, Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands while investigations are ongoing.
She also disclosed that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has officially demanded a full and impartial investigation into the case.
