PRESS STATEMENT
ABUJA, March 29, 2017 :Following multiple distress calls by Nigerian students in India on concerns on their safety as a result of renewed attacks on them, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has urged Nigerians in India to remain calm and be watchful of their surroundings.
Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday that the renewed Tuesday attacks on Nigerian students’ in India was uncalled for.
While condemning the mob action as unwarranted and deplorable,the SSA commended India for immediate and prompt action and the arrest of five suspects.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that though the situation was calm at the moment,she urged the Indian government to protect Nigerian students in India going about their normal duties.
She said the Charge’ d ‘Affairs in India, Amb. Mrs Queen Worlu has promptly visited the scene of the incident and also visited the three patients in hospital .
She urged the Indian government to ensure that any alleged suspect should be promptly tried and prosecuted, if found guilty.
According to available reports, two of the victims are two brothers, Precious and Endurance Amalawa and Chukwuma Igboamalu.
She said other reports have it that nine Nigerians were attacked, all students of Noida International University in India.
“I have also spoken with Mr Charles Kennedy, President of the Students’ association in Greater Noida where the attacks occurred . He said though a Kenyan girl who was walking alone in the early hours of today was attacked, more police patrol vehicles have been deployed to all areas.
” He confirmed that the situation is calm and is pleased with the prompt actions of the Charge D Affairs in India and the Indian government so far”, She said.
The Presidential aide reiterated her calls to all Nigerians to be of good behaviour anywhere they found themselves as any form of crime and criminality is unacceptable and will have to face consequences.
She noted the steps taken so far by India government which includes patrol of the area and immediate arrest of suspected culprits with more arrests likely.
Dabiri-Erewa, however, prayed for the quick recovery of the three in the hospital in India.