Members of the House of Representatives have resolved to investigate the circumstances leading to the alleged killing of a Nigerian, Ebuka Nwoko, in South Africa three weeks ago.
Nwoko, 43, fondly known as Jeff, was allegedly murdered while in the custody of South African security officials in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa, in the third week of May 2024.
Moving a motion of urgent public importance on Wednesday, the lawmaker representing Owerri Municipal/Owerri West/Owerri North Federal Constituency, Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, expressed concern over recent reports of unlawful killings, torture, and inhumane treatment of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa.
Okere, who chairs the House Committee on Diaspora, indicted members of the South African Police Service, accusing them of serial human rights violations.“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.
“We are saddened that Nigerian lives are continuously devalued and disregarded, even in nations that claim to uphold democratic values and the rule of law. South Africa, a nation we once looked to as a beacon of hope and progress, now stands as a stark reminder of the systemic injustice and abuse our people 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,” the lawmaker said while bringing the matter before his colleagues.
He called on 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 measures are taken to properly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nwoko.
The House, following its resolution to investigate the tragic death, observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased and called on the Federal Government to seek justice for Nigerians living abroad whose rights are violated.
