(PHOTO): Tragedy, Tension as Nigerian Assassinated in South Africa

The Nigerian community in South Africa has been thrown into mourning following the assassination of a Nigerian citizen, Emeka Uzor, in an incident suspected to be a targeted attack.

The Nigerian Union South Africa, NUSA, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Abuja.

According to the statement, signed by NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, and the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, Uzor was shot dead at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at a Carltex filling station in Windsor East, Randburg, Johannesburg.

The union said the victim, an indigene of Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, was inside his vehicle when he was attacked and killed.

NUSA described the incident as troubling and alarming, noting that it reflects a disturbing pattern of violent attacks against Nigerian nationals residing in South Africa.

“This killing is deeply concerning and adds to the growing list of violent incidents involving Nigerians in South Africa,” the union stated.

The organisation called on the South African Police Service, including the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner, to carry out a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing, stressing that those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.

NUSA also urged South African authorities to take decisive measures to curb what it described as recurring and targeted violence against Nigerians in the country.

Tthe union appealed to the Nigerian government, through the Nigerian High Commission and the Consulate-General in South Africa, to strengthen diplomatic engagements with South African authorities to ensure better protection for Nigerian citizens and their interests.

It also encouraged closer collaboration between the Nigerian Mission and NUSA to pursue both diplomatic and legal avenues aimed at ending the persistent attacks.

While expressing confidence in South Africa’s justice system, the union said it hoped that a thorough investigation would bring the perpetrators to justice and provide closure for the victim’s family.

NUSA also called on Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding despite the incident, assuring the community that it is engaging relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.