By Peter Ejiofor
London, Oct. 8, 2023 – Nigerians in South Africa have alleged that another Nigerian has again been killed by unknown gunman in that country after their union cried out about resurgence of attacks on Nigerians and their business.
Mr Somadina Okeke, the National Secretary- General of Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), announced the recent attack in a statement on Sunday.
He said the victim was Anambra-born Anene Esihi from Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area.
It will be recalled that NUSA, had on Sept. 22, raised the alarm over fresh terror attacks on Nigerians by a criminal group in Sasolburg, Freestate Province.
The union, in a statement, claimed that the attacks were not only perpetrated on the streets, but the group also located, robbed, denuded and assaulted Nigerians in their homes.
The union also accused the police in the province of complicity in the fundamental human rights breaches which had led to the death of three Nigerians.
“Three persons were killed. No arrest has been made. Survivors are living with traumatic scars. Some are terrified of leaving their places of abode to carry out their daily activities for fear of being assaulted.’’
Okeke alleged that Esihi was attacked and shot several times by his assailants between 7.30 p.m. and 8 p.m., at his shop, No. 8A St. Georges Street, Central Business District, Bloemfontein.
He said that after he was shot, his landlord chased the unknown assailant, but couldn’t get him.
“During the chase, a cell phone fell from the unknown gunman which another onlooker picked from the ground.
“The police and ambulance service were called, but when they arrived, the medical team declared Anene dead.
“The crime scene department also came with its forensic officials and afterward his body was taken to a government mortuary.
“The cell phone recovered from the unknown gunman was handed over to the Police Investigation Officer as evidence,’’ Okeke said.
In spite of the attacks, the union urged Nigerians in South Africa to be law-abiding and carry on with their legitimate businesses, while it does its best to ensure justice for the slain member.
NUSA condoled with the family and friends of the deceased as well as all Nigerians living in South Africa. (GBN)
