The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has condemned the alleged murder of a compatriot, Ebuka Nwoko, by South African police officials.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident and said the commission condemned the alleged murder of Mr Nwoko.
“We are getting different reports saying that it was an extrajudicial killing,” said Mr Balogun.
He added, “So we are now calling on the government of South Africa and other relevant authorities to constitute an investigative panel to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of Jeff.”
Mr Balogun said the probe was to ascertain the the cause of the killing and also to ensure that culprits were prosecuted.
“We are equally calling on Nigerians living in South Africa and other related unions to remain calm, pending the response we will get from the South African government,” the NiDCOM spokesman said.
He lauded Nigerians residing in the country for setting up a committee on the matter.
“We are waiting for the outcome of that committee’s work, so that is what we have for now,” Mr Balogun said.
Also, the president-general of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), Frank Onyekwelu, condemned the alleged murder of the Nigerian in an interview on Sunday.
Mr Onyekwelu said Mr Nwoko, 43, well known as Jeff, was allegedly murdered while in the custody of South African security officials in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa.
“This death could have been avoided. We express profound disappointment in this avoidable action by men of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and demand a thorough investigation into this gruesome murder.
“South Africa is a democratic state. It is imperative that regardless of nationality, color or creed, people here should be treated with dignity and afforded full protection of the law, especially by law enforcement officers,” Mr Onyekwelu said.
Citing section 11 of the South African Constitution, the NICASA president said foreigners living in the country have the right to life.
He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to work closely with South African authorities to promote peace, law, and order within the Nigerian community in South Africa.
“We acknowledge that the police in South Africa have a duty to enforce the law, but we vehemently oppose any action that will result in the loss of innocent lives,” he said.
Mr Onyekwelu called for a quick investigation and the early arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of what he described as a heinous act.
(NAN)
