The Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has denounced the recent killing of two Nigerian traders in South Africa, labelling it as “senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.”
The victims, identified only as Austin and Ayo, were reportedly gunned down at close range by masked assailants in Durban. Unconfirmed reports suggest the attackers stormed Austin’s office and shot both men dead on the spot.
In a statement issued by NIDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is currently investigating the incident.
She called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough probe and bring those responsible to justice. Dabiri-Erewa also criticised the South African government for failing to implement the early warning mechanism agreed upon with Nigeria, which was designed to prevent such violent occurrences.
“This latest unprovoked killing is utterly condemnable,” the statement read, “and it’s high time South African authorities took the bilateral early warning measures seriously.”
While expressing sympathy to the bereaved families, Dabiri-Erewa promised that all efforts would be made to ensure justice is served. She also appealed for calm within the Nigerian community in South Africa, urging citizens not to resort to retaliation as the investigation unfolds.
According to the statement, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner has already demanded a full and impartial investigation from South African authorities.
