The Presidency has condemned the attacks on Nigerian students in India and called on Delhi to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Stressing that the attacks were uncalled for, it called on the Indian government to protect Nigerian students in its territory while advising them to be watchful and go about their normal duties.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja following the attack on two brothers, Precious and Endurance Amalawa and a third person, Chukwuma Igboamalu.
Following multiple distress calls by Nigerian students in India concerned about their safety, she said the Charge d‘Affairs in India, Amb. Mrs. Queen Worlu had promptly visited the scene of the incident and also visited the three patients in the hospital.
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.
The SSA however commended India for its prompt action and the arrest of five suspects in connection with the incident
She said reports had it that nine Nigerians were attacked, all students of Noida International University in India.
She said, “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 (Wednesday) 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 added.
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 highlighted the steps taken so far by the Indian government which included 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 victims in the hospital.
