The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the killing of two Nigerian traders in Durban, South Africa, describing the incident as “intolerable and senseless.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday by NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed shock over the deaths of the two victims, identified as Austin and Ayo, who were reportedly gunned down at close range by masked assailants.

“This latest unprovoked killing is condemnable and barbaric,” she said. “The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is looking into the matter, and we call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate and expose those responsible.”

According to initial accounts, the gunmen stormed Austin’s office and opened fire, killing him and his visiting friend Ayo on the spot. Both men were said to be members of the Nigerian business community in Durban.

Dabiri-Erewa recalled that Nigeria and South Africa had agreed to establish an early warning mechanism to prevent attacks on nationals, but lamented that the system is yet to be effectively implemented by South African authorities.

She extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that efforts would be made to ensure justice.

“We sympathise with the grieving families and stand with them. We will follow this case closely and ensure that justice is served,” she said.

Amid rising tension within the Nigerian community in South Africa, Dabiri-Erewa appealed for restraint.

“We urge Nigerians in South Africa not to take laws into their hands. Let us allow the South African police to carry out their investigations,” she said.

She added that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has formally demanded a full and impartial investigation from the South African authorities.