The Chairman/ CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has raised the alarm over safety of lives in Northern Cyprus, saying that about 13 Nigerians have been killed in mysterious circumstances in the country without resolution up to date.
The NIDCOM boss spoke while reacting to a letter purportedly written to her by His Excellency, Hidayet Bayraktar, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, on the welfare of Nigerians living in Northern Cyprus.
Dabiri Erewa further disclosed that she did not receive any official letter till date except the unsigned one being circulated in the media.
She , however, thanked the Ambassador and glad that recent media briefing by NIDCOM has elicited his response pertaining to the unfortunate incidents in Northern Cyprus.
It is instructive to note that Dabiri-Erewa and a team from NIDCOM had been to the Turkish Embassy twice to discuss issues related to Nigerians welfare in Turkey and Northern Cyprus, but got no response from the Ambassador.
Dabiri-Erewa added that NIDCOM received petitions on regular basis from Nigerians, especially parents whose children had been victims in one way or the other in Northern Cyprus.
Speaking on the killings of Nigerians in Northern Cyprus, Dabiri -Erewa said, “ Some of the deaths recorded in Northern Cyprus without any resolution from 2016 till date include:
1. Mr. Ibrahim Khaleel Bello (25) , son of Justice Amina Ahmad Bello of Kaduna State High Court . (2020).
2. Kennedy Taomwabwa Dede, 28, student of Eastern Mediterranean University and was killed on Feb. 1, 2018.
3. Walshak Augustine Ngok, a student of Marine Engineering at Near East University, murdered on April 19, 2019.
4. Gabriel Soriwei, a first year student of Electrical Electronics of Cyprus International University, Nicosia.
5. Osabanjo Adeola Owoyale, 33, went missing and found dead on July 1, 2019.
6. Augustine Wallies killed on April 19, 2019.
7. Stanley Eteimo, ( 28)
8. Hassan Babatunde, (28)
9. Temitayo Adigun,
10. Kubiat Abasi
11. Abraham Okon,
12. Oziegbe Gospower Airekugose
13. Olasubomi Ope., amongst many others
“However, we still appeal to the Turkish Embassy to do all they can to protect Nigerians in Northern Cyprus , particularly, students and we are optimistic that the reaction to our recent statement would elicit a positive and pro active reaction from the Embassy.”
The NIDCOM boss also prayed for the repose of the souls of many students who have died in mysterious circumstances in Northern Cyprus, saying that she hoped that only good stories would henceforth emanate from Northern Cyprus.
She further said, “Above all, what we have given is advisory in line with our citizens diplomacy.
One has option to either key into it or ignore . It should not be misconstrued as exaggeration or an attempt to scare away potential travellers to Northern Cyprus
“Whether it is Nigerians killing Nigerians or drug related crimes, there is some form of danger emanating from Northern Cyprus as alluded to in the Ambassador’s letter thus:
” _I do not dispute that some unfortunate criminal incidents took place in the TRNC, as it happens in any part of the world. However, the occurrence of such incidents is certainly not a daily routine and all these cases are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by the TRNC authorities”_
_”Moreover, since in many cases, Nigerian citizens are not only victims, but also perpetrators of crimes committed in the TRNC, necessary measure will be taken by the relevant agencies in order to prevent young Nigerians and every other student from falling victims._ ”
“ This is our concern as a responsible Commission whose mandate is to oversee the welfare and well being of Nigerians,and we are glad that the Ambassador has promised to take “ necessary measures”.
“In as much as we do advise our citizens to always be law abiding wherever they find themselves and be good ambassadors of the country, Nigeria will not fold its arms and allow her citizens to be molested or killed in any unjustifiable manner while seeking for knowledge in a foreign land
“May we continue to witness peace, love and mutual respect across the land.”
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