The Abia State Government has condemned the alleged killing of an Abia indigene, Chika Ibe, by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Cape Town. It is calling for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those responsible.
Ibe, who hailed from Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, was reportedly killed on Wednesday, July 23, 2026, during an encounter with South African police officers.
Reacting to the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Alex Otti described the development as shocking and heartbreaking. Otti leads Abia State and has made citizen protection and dignity central themes of his administration.
According to the statement, the governor, on behalf of the government and people of Abia State, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“The Abia State Government received with shock and deep sadness the news of the tragic killing of Mr. Chika Ibe,” the statement said.
The government cited disturbing videos circulating on social media, which allegedly showed police officers physically assaulting the victim.
It further claimed that one of the officers was seen using a polyethylene bag to repeatedly suffocate Ibe, despite his cries for help.
“Mr. Ibe was heard shouting, ‘I’m dying,’ but the officers reportedly remained unperturbed,” the statement said.
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While investigations into the circumstances surrounding the operation are ongoing, the state government maintained that the footage already in circulation depicts what it described as “a level of cruelty that is condemnable in the strongest terms.”
The government also linked the incident to another reported attack involving a Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick, who was allegedly shot and is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries in South Africa.
Abia State aligned itself with the Federal Government’s demand for a swift, transparent and independent investigation into the killing. It insisted that all those involved must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“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 take urgent steps to end what it described as recurring attacks on Nigerians and ensure the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
It called on the South African government to “immediately bring this carnage to a halt” and promote peaceful coexistence, describing the continued attacks as “a very sad commentary on Africans who are supposed to live as brothers and sisters.”
Ekeoma noted that several Nigerians residing in South Africa have, in recent years, been killed, assaulted or had their businesses looted in incidents widely linked to xenophobic violence.
He said Nigerians living abroad deserve to enjoy the same dignity, protection and security afforded to other residents, rather than living under constant fear of violence.
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