NANS demands justice for Nigerian student killed in Philippines

The alleged horrific murder of a Nigerian student in the Philippines has drawn criticism from the Senate arm of NANS.

Senator Elvis Ekudina, Senate Deputy President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Monday described the act as wickedness and one not to be overlooked.

According to a report from The PUNCH and confirmation from students in the diaspora the deceased, a Nigerian medical student named Ikem, was allegedly brutally murdered in the Philippines by a group of Chinese.

An ally to the deceased, identified as Michael Ojuola, who made this known via his X handle on Sunday wrote, “A friend of mine, a Nigerian medical student named Ikem studying in the Republic of Philippines, was brtally murdered by a group of Chinese.

“They tied his hands up, covered and tied his mouth, and he was beaten blue-black until he gave up the gh*st.

“This should never be allowed to get swept under the carpet regardless of the relationship between the Philippines and China!

“This is so inhuman and barbaric! I can’t even think straight at the moment because of the horrific videos I’m getting right now from the hospital.”

DSP Ekudina while frowning at the alleged killing called on the federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to look into the situation and make sure that justice is done as this seems to be another xenophobic attack against Nigerians. 

He also called on Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM),  NANS Diaspora, and Nigerians in Diaspora Organization to intensify every effort to ensure that those responsible for the murder are brought to justice.

“ This is inhumane, and can not be accepted by the leadership of Nigerian Students, as the custodian of the NANS Constitution, we have sworn to protect the interests of Nigerian students across the globe. We cannot pretend or keep mute like nothing happened. We are appealing to the Federal government to do all they can in making sure this matter isn’t swept under the carpet.

“ We also seek that on the account of the Chinese government, murdered student should be given last respect by ensuring that his corpse is flown back to Nigeria to ensure he gets a befitting burial. Also, to ease the loss of the child in the family of the deceased,  the Chinese government should pay compensation to the family. 

The Senate arm of NANS also expressed sincere condolence to the entire family, and the Nigerian Students Community in Philippines, while remaining optimistic that justice will prevail.