Members of the House of Representatives have resolved to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing of Ebuka Nwoko, a Nigerian citizen, in South Africa three weeks ago.
Nwoko, 43, known affectionately as Jeff, was reportedly murdered while in the custody of South African security officials in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, during the third week of May 2024.
Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, the lawmaker representing Owerri Municipal/Owerri West/Owerri North Federal Constituency, raised a motion of urgent public importance on Wednesday.
Okere, who chairs the House Committee on Diaspora, expressed deep concern over recent reports of unlawful killings, torture, and inhumane treatment of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
He accused members of the South African Police Service of serial human rights violations.
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“The recent tragic and painful death of Mr. Ebuka Nwoko, a 43-year-old Nigerian allegedly murdered while in the custody of South African security officials, is yet another harrowing example of the severe mistreatment our compatriots face overseas,” Okere stated.
He lamented that Nigerian lives are continuously devalued and disregarded, even in nations that claim to uphold democratic values and the rule of law.
Okere emphasized that South Africa, once viewed as a beacon of hope and progress, now starkly reminds Nigerians of the systemic injustice and abuse they suffer abroad.
“We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the plight of our citizens in the Diaspora.
Their cries for help and justice can no longer go unanswered.
We must take decisive action to protect the lives, rights, and welfare of all Nigerians, regardless of where they reside,” Okere said while addressing his colleagues.
He urged the parliament to engage with the relevant authorities in South Africa, including the South African Government and law enforcement agencies, to ensure that justice is served and that a thorough investigation is conducted into Nwoko’s death.
Following the resolution to investigate the tragic death, the House observed a minute of silence in honor of the deceased and called on the Federal Government to seek justice for Nigerians living abroad whose rights are violated.
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