A former Minister of External Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, on Wednesday, called for full investigation into alleged killings of Nigerian nationals in other countries abroad.
Akinyemi
told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was imperative
for the police of such foreign countries and Nigerian embassies to
urgently commence investigations into such killings.
“We do not have the right details of how some of these affected Nigerians were killed in other countries.
“So,
if we are to make issues out of such killings, it is important that we
insist on full police investigation before we can then decide what line
of action to take.
“We have to be sure that it is not the behaviour of our compatriots that puts them in arms way,’’ he said.
Akinyemi
said that after thorough investigation and such Nigerians were found
innocent, then the Federal Government could resort to the right
diplomatic process of safeguarding the rights of such nationals.
The
former minister said that although it was painful to lose a relative or
friend in a foreign land, investigation was the surest way to know
reasons for such killings.
Akinyemi,
therefore, urged Nigerian Embassies in such countries to work closely
with the country’s police in investigating such killings.
“I can understand the emotional outpouring from parents, relatives and friends of these affected Nigerians.
“Nobody
wants to lose a close relative, friend and member of his or her family,
but investigation must first be carried out,’’ he said.
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