Abia Condemns Alleged Killing of Indigene by South African Police, Demands Justice
By Ichie Times
The Abia State Government has condemned the reported killing of an indigene of the state, Chika Ibe, in Cape Town, South Africa, allegedly involving officers of the South African Police Service.
Ibe, who hailed from Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, was reportedly killed on July 23, 2026. The state government said it received the incident with shock and deep sadness.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said videos circulating online appeared to show police officers assaulting Ibe during the incident.
The government said the footage, which allegedly showed Ibe being suffocated, raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death and called for a thorough investigation to establish what happened.
Abia also linked the incident to reports that another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick, was shot and seriously injured in South Africa and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The state government joined calls for a swift, transparent and independent investigation, urging South African authorities to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible for Ibe’s death.
Governor Alex Otti, through the statement, commiserated with Ibe’s family and prayed for strength and comfort for his loved ones.
The Abia Government also appealed to South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other Africans living in the country, stressing that Nigerians in the diaspora deserve to live and conduct their legitimate activities with dignity and safety.
The government further urged relevant Nigerian authorities to closely monitor developments and ensure that the rights and safety of Nigerians abroad remain protected.
Ichie Times understands that the allegations surrounding Ibe’s death remain subject to investigation, and the identities and culpability of those involved should be established through due process.
