NiDCOM mourns Nigerians killed in separate violent attacks in UK, Canada

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two Nigerian nationals killed in separate violent incidents in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early days of the new year.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, described the incidents as shocking and deeply troubling, noting that they have cast a dark cloud over the Nigerian diaspora community abroad.

According to a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols on Friday, Dabiri-Erewa extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims, assuring them of the Commission’s support during the difficult period.

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According to NiDCOM, one of the victims, 23-year-old John Temitope Onetufo, was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of London.

In a separate incident in Canada, Osemwengie Irorere, a 46-year-old Nigerian, was reportedly shot and killed at the Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal in Toronto on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the swift response of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, urging both authorities to conduct thorough, transparent and timely investigations to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

She also reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad, stating that the Commission would work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the United Kingdom and Canada to provide the necessary consular and welfare support to the affected families, in line with its statutory mandate.

“The safety and well-being of Nigerians in the diaspora remain a top priority for the Commission,” Dabiri-Erewa said, while calling for calm and cooperation with ongoing investigations by local authorities.

According to the statement, NiDCOM has continued to advocate stronger engagement between host countries and Nigerian diplomatic missions to address security concerns affecting Nigerians abroad, particularly in cases involving violent crimes.

The Commission urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain vigilant, promptly report security concerns to local authorities, and stay in touch with Nigerian missions in their countries of residence.

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