Reps protest killing of Nigerians in Italy, may order probe

WORRIED by the unending killing of Nigerians in foreign countries, the House of Representatives may tomorrow (Tuesday) debate a motion seeking to compel the Italian government to investigate the alleged murder of a Nigerian, Emmanuel Ngozichukwu Ajoku Benedict, by the Italian police.

Specifically, Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, collaborating with the Human Rights and Foreign Affairs Committees in the House, are set to co-sponsor the motion to condemn the inhuman act and seek for compensation.

Dabiri-Erewa said the committee was concerned with the constant harassment and killing of Nigerians in foreign countries and has expressed the resolve to work with all the relevant committees of the House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to put an end to the development.

According to her, "the motion became imperative following a petition by the family of the deceased claiming foul play in the manner the late Emmanuel was cut short in his prime by the Italian security operatives."

The late Emmanuel, an indigene of Imo State, was allegedly thrown out from the fourth floor of his apartment by two policemen who broke into his house on October 23, 2009 in Padova, Italy.

According to the petition signed by a representative of the family, Mr. Celestine Amaefula Ajoku Benedict: "On Friday, October 23, 2009, I received a call from Padova, Italy, from a friend telling me the demise of my blood brother, a younger brother by name Emmanuel Ngozichukwu Ajoku Benedict, whom I was told that two policemen broke into his apartment and pushed him out from the fourth floor of his apartment for reasons not made known to me.

"I am writing to inform you that I on behalf of my family do humbly need your assistance in bringing those culprits who forced my younger brother to die prematurely into judgment.

"Since the news of the death, there had been pains and sorrows in the family as we have been having sleepless nights. Even if he committed immigration offence, should that be the reason to forcefully push him out of his apartment to die?"

The petitioners appealed to the House to expedite action on the matter, as according to Celestine, "my mother might die as she recently came out from the one year mourning of my late father. I need your office involvement into this matter while I and my family still begging you still on our kneels."

The House Committee on Diaspora has recently been engaging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the worrisome ill-treatment meted out to Nigerians living in foreign lands.