The Abia State Government has condemned the killing of an Abia-born Nigerian, Chika Ibe, from Lokpaukwu, Umunneochi Local Government Area, who was allegedly killed by members of the South African Police Service in Cape Town on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.
In a statement signed and released by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Tuesday, the state government said it received the news “with shock and deep sadness.”
The statement read, “Governor Alex Otti, on behalf of the government and people of Abia State, commiserates with the family of Mr Ibe and prays for God’s comfort and for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
“Disturbing videos circulating online showed police officers assaulting Mr Ibe.
“In one of the clips, an officer was allegedly seen using a polyethylene bag to repeatedly suffocate him until he died.
“Mr Ibe was heard shouting, ‘I’m dying,’ but the officers reportedly remained unperturbed.
“The circumstances surrounding the operation are still under investigation, but what is clear from the footage is a level of cruelty that is condemnable in the strongest terms.”
Ekeoma noted that the killing came on the heels of reports that another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick, was also shot and is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries.
The state government joined the Federal Government in demanding a swift, transparent and independent investigation into the killing. It also called for the identification, arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“Anything short of justice will be a further insult to Nigeria and to the memory of this Abian and other Nigerians who have died in similar circumstances,” the statement added.
The government further urged South African authorities to “immediately bring this carnage to a halt” and to call their citizens to order, describing the attacks as “a very sad commentary on Africans who are supposed to live as brothers and sisters.”
Ekeoma recalled that in recent times, many Nigerians in South Africa have been killed, assaulted or had their businesses looted in what it described as a wave of xenophobic attacks and targeted violence.
“Nigerians in the diaspora deserve to live with dignity and safety, not in fear,” he stated.
