Kalu Rues Serial Killing of Nigerians in South Africa

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has condemned in strong terms the incessant killings of Nigerians especially of Igbo extraction in South Africa, noting that the barbaric act is capable of jeopardising the healthy bilateral relationship between South Africa and Nigeria. According to the frontline politician, Nigeria has over the years accommodated South Africans to the extent that over 150 South Africa companies are operating in Nigeria without any form of discrimination Kalu lamented the recent killings of Ikejiaku Chinedu (a native of Ogwa, Imo State), Gideon Ogalaonye (an indigene of Onitsha, Anambra State) at Limpopo province and Nnamadi Michael (an indigene of Enugu State) at Johannesburg last week.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said, “it is disheartening and shocking the way Nigerians are being killed in South Africa in cruel circumstances. “The barbaric behaviour of the perpetrators is not only unacceptable but also calls for urgent attention by diplomatic authorities in Nigeria and South Africa. “Considering the support and co-operation South Africans including South African business organisations are enjoying from the Nigerian government, I begin to wonder why such injustice is being meted out to Nigerians living in South Africa. As I am not in the know of what must have transpired between the deceased persons and their killers, I strongly believe that every country has its laws and no one should act above the law of the land, by taking the life of another person in a cruel manner.

“In the interest of diplomatic ties, it is important for the South African government to, as a matter of urgency, investigate these incessant killings and prosecute the culprits in order to forestall future occurrence. “My heart goes out to the families of the deceased, the governments and people of Imo, Anambra and Enugu states while praying to God to grant the departed souls eternal rest and also give their families the fortitude to bear the sad losses” The former governor while calling on officials of the Nigerian embassy in South Africa to register their displeasure over the cruel killings with their hosts’ officials, added that it is the duty of the embassy to engage Nigerians living in South Africa periodically with a view to protecting their rights and privileges.