The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the killing of a Nigerian medical student in the Philippines, identified simply as Ikem.
Ikem was allegedly beaten to death by a group of Chinese restaurant workers in the Philippines over a matter that is still unclear.
The deceased’s friend, Michael Ojuola on Sunday said his hands were tied, his mouth covered and that he was beaten to death.
Michael tweeted, “A friend of mine, A Nigerian Medical Student named Ikem studying in the Republic of Philippines was brutally murdered by a group of Chinese.
“They tied his hands up, covered and tied his mouth and was beaten blue-black until he gave up the ghost.
“This should never be allowed to get swept under the carpet regardless of the relationship btw the Philippines and China.
“This is so inhuman and barbaric! I can’t even think straight at the moment cos of the horrific videos I’m getting right now from the hospital.”
Ojutola urged Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and all relevant parties to address the matter.
Condemning the alleged killing, NANS, in a statement by its Vice President on External Affairs, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, urged the government of the Philippines to immediately fish out the killers of the Nigerian medical student.
He said the Nigerian student body was still in shock over the circumstances under which one of them was sent to an early grave in faraway Philippines.
Akinteye asked the government of the Asian country to make sure the suspects involved face the full wrath of the law.
He added that top executives of the association were deeply grieving and considered the killing as barbaric.
According to him, it calls for international condemnation.
The statement read, “We are deeply disturbed and appalled by the heinous and barbaric act that resulted in the tragic death of the Nigerian medical student, Ikem in the Republic of the Philippines.
“Such a gruesome and inhumane act must be vehemently condemned by the international community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and the Nigerian student community who have been affected by this devastating loss.
“We unequivocally demand that the Philippines government take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. The culprits responsible for this senseless act of violence must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“We emphasize that the relationship between the Philippines and China should not overshadow the pursuit of justice for Ikem. Failure to hold the perpetrators accountable will not be tolerated. We firmly assert that if the Philippines government does not ensure that justice is served, we will not hesitate to escalate this issue to an international level, including mobilizing a global protest at their embassy in Nigeria and beyond.
“It is imperative that the authorities in the Philippines demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals within their jurisdiction, regardless of nationality.
“We call on the Philippines government to demonstrate their unwavering dedication to justice and the preservation of human rights by taking immediate and effective measures to address this heinous crime.”