The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned in strong terms the brutal and senseless killing of two Nigerian traders in South Africa, describing the act as intolerable, barbaric, and completely unjustifiable.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed deep sorrow over the gruesome murder of the two victims—identified simply as Austin and Ayo—by yet-to-be-identified masked gunmen in Durban, South Africa.
According to preliminary accounts, the assailants stormed Austin’s business premises and shot both him and his friend Ayo at close range, leaving them dead on the spot. The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and fear within the Nigerian community in South Africa, once again raising alarms over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
“This latest unprovoked attack is not only condemnable but utterly senseless,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. “We call on the South African authorities to launch a thorough investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and provide assurance that such horrific incidents will not be swept under the carpet.”
She further lamented that the Early Warning Signal Mechanism—an agreement initiated between Nigeria and South Africa to curb xenophobic violence and targeted attacks—remains largely unimplemented by the South African government.
While extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the NIDCOM boss assured them that the Nigerian government will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. She also confirmed that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is actively engaging with local authorities to get to the root of the incident.
In light of the rising tensions within the Nigerian community in Durban and beyond, Dabiri-Erewa appealed for calm and urged citizens not to resort to retaliation or lawlessness. She emphasized that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner has formally demanded a transparent and unbiased investigation from South African police authorities.
“Our mission is working closely with the relevant security agencies. We understand the anger and pain, but we must allow the law to take its course while we pursue justice through diplomatic and legal channels,” she concluded.
This latest tragedy has rekindled concerns about the recurring pattern of violence against Nigerians in South Africa and the urgent need for actionable bilateral protections for foreign nationals.
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