Presidential Aide Calls for Calm over Attacks on Nigerians in India

Following multiple distress calls by Nigerian students in India on concerns on their safety as a result of renewed attacks on them, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has urged Nigerians in India to remain calm, be watchful of their surroundings.

Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday that the renewed Tuesday attacks on Nigerian students’ in India was uncalled for. While condemning the mob action as unwarranted and deplorable, the SSA noted that the Indian authorities currently have five suspects in custody.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that though the situation was calm at the moment, the Indian government has a responsibility to protect Nigerian students in India going about their normal duties. She urged the Indian government to ensure that any alleged suspect should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

She said the Chargé d’affaires in India, Amb. Mrs Queen Worlu has promptly visited the scene of the incident and also visited the three patients in hospital. According to available reports, two of the victims are two brothers, Precious and Endurance Amalawa and Chukwuma Igboamalu. Other reports have it that nine Nigerians were attacked, all students of Noida International University in India.

“I have also spoken with Mr Charles Kennedy, President of the Students’ association in Greater Noida where the attacks occurred. He said though a Kenyan girl who was working alone in the early hours of today was attacked, more police patrol vehicles have been deployed to all areas.” He confirmed that the situation is calm and is pleased with the prompt actions of the Nigerian Chargé d’affaires in India and the Indian government so far.

She noted the steps taken so far by India government which includes patrol of the area and immediate arrest of suspected culprits with more arrests likely. Dabiri-Erewa, however, prayed for the quick recovery of the three in the hospital in India.

Signed.

Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora