The Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDCOM) has described the “barbaric” killings of two Nigerian traders in South Africa as “intolerable and senseless”.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged the South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and expose the perpetrators.
A statement issued by NIDCOM’s Spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Wednesday, also said the Nigerian High Commission in Johannesburg is “looking into the matter”.
The two Nigerians murdered were identified as Austin and Ayo. They were shot at close range by masked gunmen in Durban, South Africa.
Unverified reports according to the statement say the two Nigerians were killed in Austin’s office.
Dabiri-Erewa recalled that an early warning mechanism was put in place by both countries to prevent such killings but, is yet to be implemented by South Africa.
The NiDCOM Boss condoled with the families of the deceased, assuring them that justice will be served.
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.
She added that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has demanded a thorough and fair investigation into the incident.