Wednesday July 23, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the brutal killing of two Nigerian traders in South Africa, describing the attack as “senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.”
The victims, identified simply as Austin and Ayo, were reportedly shot at close range by masked gunmen who stormed Austin’s office in Durban, killing both men on the spot.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 23, by NIDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed outrage over the incident and called for swift 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.”
She also expressed disappointment over South Africa’s failure to implement the early warning mechanisms agreed upon with Nigeria 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,” Balogun added.
Offering condolences to the victims’ families, Dabiri-Erewa assured them that efforts are being made to ensure justice is served.
As tension rises within the Nigerian community in South Africa, she appealed for restraint.
“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,” the statement concluded.
