Outrage has spread across social media following the reported death of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, during an operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with many citizens urging the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic measures against South Africa.
According to reports, Ibe, an indigene of Lokpaukwu in Abia State, allegedly died on Thursday during a police operation at the Parksig Villas Complex in Bellville, Cape Town. It was claimed that he was beaten, tortured, subjected to inhumane treatment and suffocated before his death.
Footage from the incident also showed another Nigerian sustaining serious injuries to the mouth during the operation. Additional videos circulating online captured Ibe’s body being placed in a body bag and loaded into a police vehicle, while fellow Nigerians gathered at the scene condemned the incident.
One mourner, speaking in the video, questioned why the victim was treated in such a manner, describing the incident as an act of hatred and expressing sorrow over the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation among Nigerians, many of whom accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect its citizens abroad.
Reacting on Facebook, Onyeka Ayoojunior Emmanuel criticised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the government’s silence over repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. He argued that stronger action should have been taken to address the recurring incidents.
On Instagram, another user, identified as @oriazowand, urged the Nigerian government to sever diplomatic relations with South Africa and suspend the South African ambassador to Nigeria over the repeated deaths of Nigerians in the country.
Another commenter, @binuju, questioned why South African businesses operating in Nigeria had not faced any consequences despite the continued attacks on Nigerians.
Similarly, @itemebob called on the Federal Government to safeguard Nigerians residing legally in South Africa. He argued that Nigerians who live and work lawfully in the country deserve protection, just as South Africans conduct business freely in Nigeria.
Another social media user, @fikunademii, insisted that stronger diplomatic pressure was necessary, warning that such incidents would continue if those responsible were not held accountable. The user added that the victim’s death reflected a failure by both countries to protect human life.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) also condemned the incident, describing the allegations surrounding Ibe’s death as deeply troubling.
NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the leadership of SAPS.
He stressed that any officers found culpable should face prosecution, maintaining that there could be no justification for torture, excessive force or the unlawful killing of any individual.
The association maintained that, if confirmed, the allegations would amount to a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law, urging South African authorities to ensure justice is served.