Government Must Protect Nigerians Living Abroad Amid Rising Violence
The frequent violence and deaths involving Nigerians abroad highlight deep flaws in Nigeria’s foreign policy. Recent high-profile cases, including the murder of Destiny in Ghana and Afolabi Opaso in Canada, underscore a troubling pattern. Around 300 Nigerians are reported to have been extrajudicially killed overseas from 2016 to 2023, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to the safety of its citizens. The rise in violence necessitates urgent reforms in diplomatic practices and outreach in protecting Nigerians internationally.
The alarming trend of harassment and killings targeting Nigerians abroad emphasizes significant issues within Nigeria’s foreign policy framework. Recently, the tragic murder of Destiny, an emerging talent from Edo State, serves as a chilling illustration of this dire situation. The 18-year-old was brutally attacked in Ghana’s Volta Region by individuals who accused him of failing to fulfill his financial commitments from a business venture. It is reported that Destiny was beaten to death in his own apartment by the suspects.
According to The PUNCH, more than 300 Nigerians have lost their lives extrajudicially overseas between 2016 and 2023, with a substantial number of these incidents occurring in South Africa, where over 200 Nigerians have been victims of xenophobic violence. Among the deceased is Elizabeth Ndubuisi-Chukwu, the deputy director-general of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, who was found dead in her Johannesburg hotel room in June 2019, under suspicious circumstances.
In a tragic incident from December 2023, Afolabi Opaso, a 19-year-old Nigerian, was reportedly shot and killed by a police officer in Canada during a mental health crisis situation. Likewise, the Philippines saw the murder of Ikem Chukwubuikem, a Nigerian medical student, by six Chinese men who beat him following a demand for compensation related to a romantic issue, framing him for sexual assault before his death.
Further complicating matters, in Burkina Faso, 16 Nigerian pilgrims were shot and killed by local soldiers while traveling to Senegal. Such acts are part of a broader pattern of maltreatment that Nigerians abroad frequently face, and tragically, many victims do not see justice served either at home or abroad. This ongoing violence is emblematic of a more profound issue, showcasing Nigeria’s consistent failure to protect its citizens.
Only this March, Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed and died during a competition in Ghana, yet his remains were not repatriated until June 17 — an incident reflecting the lack of urgent governmental response in these situations. Unlike smaller nations, aggressions against Nigerians abroad often occur without repercussions, while countries like the United States and Israel go to extraordinary lengths to safeguard their citizens globally. For example, the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security plays an active role in helping American victims of crimes overseas.
The contributions of Nigerians living abroad are substantial, with remittances exceeding $20 billion and accounting for roughly 6% of Nigeria’s GDP as of 2024. This situation underscores the necessity for the Nigerian government to prioritize the safety and justice for its citizens abroad. Concurrently, it is vital for Nigerians to behave lawfully in foreign jurisdictions.
However, a lack of timely action is apparent as President Bola Tinubu has not appointed new ambassadors since recalling them in September 2023. Compounding this concern is a viral video that shows Nigerian diplomats seemingly abandoning their embassy in Tehran amid conflicts in Iran, a sharp contrast to other nations that promptly evacuate their citizens during crises.
There is also an urgent need for addressing the root causes driving mass migration. An estimated one million Nigerians reside in the US, with an even larger population in the UK. Additionally, between 2005 and 2024, more than 71,459 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship, a staggering figure excluding those living and working-in Canada without formal citizenship.
It is disheartening to note that some Nigerians risk their lives by migrating to notoriously dangerous countries such as Libya and Iraq, often enticed by misleading promises, leading to severe consequences like poverty and even slavery. Therefore, it is crucial for Nigerians to realize that life abroad may not always equate to better opportunities and to appreciate the possibilities available within Nigeria itself.
Ultimately, ensuring the protection of Nigerian citizens must become a central focus of the nation’s foreign policy, reflecting the urgent need for systemic change in addressing these ongoing issues abroad.
In summary, the mounting violence against Nigerians abroad calls for a noticeable shift in Nigeria’s foreign policies and greater attention to the safety of its citizens. With significant contributions from the diaspora, it becomes imperative for the government to uphold its responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure justice is served for victims of violence and extrajudicial killings. Efforts must encompass not only safeguards abroad but also addressing domestic concerns for a safer and more just Nigeria.
Original Source: punchng.com
