The NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of two Nigerians in separate violent incidents in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early days of the new year.
The NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke through the Commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the deaths as shocking and deeply troubling, noting that they underscore the growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living abroad.
She extended her heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims, urging them to remain strong despite the painful loss.
While commending the swift response of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, the NiDCOM boss called for thorough, transparent and timely investigations into the incidents to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Dabiri-Erewa further assured that NiDCOM would work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the United Kingdom and Canada to provide all necessary support to the affected families, in line with the Commission’s mandate to protect the interests and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
According to reports, one of the victims, John Temitope Onetufo, a 23-year-old Nigerian, was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of London.
In a separate incident, Mr Osemwengie Irorere, a 46-year-old Nigerian, was shot and killed at the Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, January 4.