The government of Abia State has voiced strong indignation regarding the homicide of a Nigerian national, Chika Ibe, in South Africa. Ibe, who hailed from Lokpaukwu in the Umunneochi Local Government Area, reportedly passed away following a violent encounter with South African police officers in Cape Town on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, released a statement Tuesday condemning footage of the incident. The video appears to show officers using a plastic bag to suffocate Ibe until he expired, despite his desperate pleas that he was dying. The state government categorized this action as an act of extreme cruelty.
Officials in Abia are calling upon the Nigerian federal government to secure urgent accountability from South African authorities. The statement also highlighted the recent shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who is currently hospitalized with major injuries. Consequently, Abia State is pressing for a transparent and independent investigation into these violent acts against its citizens.
