The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of two Nigerian traders in Durban, South Africa, describing the act as “senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.”
The victims, identified as Austin and Ayo, were reportedly shot dead at close range by masked gunmen who stormed Austin’s office. While details remain unconfirmed, preliminary reports indicate both men were killed on the spot during the attack.
In a statement issued by NIDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has commenced investigations into the incident. She called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough probe and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
“The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, described the killing of two Nigerian Traders in South Africa by unknown gunmen as intolerable and senseless, with a call to fish out the culprits,” the statement read.
“She said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is looking into the matter. Dabiri-Erewa said this latest unprovoked killing is condemnable and barbaric, calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and expose the perpetrators.”
The NIDCOM boss expressed frustration over South Africa’s failure to implement the early warning mechanism established by both nations to prevent such attacks.
“She recalled that the early warning mechanism put in place by both countries to prevent such killings is yet to be implemented by South Africa,” the statement noted.
While extending condolences to the bereaved families, Dabiri-Erewa assured them of the Nigerian government’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.
Amid growing tension within the Nigerian community in South Africa, the NIDCOM chief appealed for calm, urging Nigerians to refrain from taking the law into their own hands while awaiting official investigation results.
“Following tension rising amongst the Nigerian community in South Africa, Dabiri-Erewa has appealed for calm and urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands while awaiting the outcome of the investigations by the South African police authorities,” the statement said.
“She added that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has demanded a thorough and fair investigation into the incident.”
