The Abia State Government has strongly condemned the killing of an Abia-born Nigerian, Mr. Chika Ibe, allegedly by members of the South African Police Service in Cape Town, describing the incident as cruel, barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said it received with shock and deep sadness the news of the death of Ibe, an indigene of Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area, who reportedly died during a police operation on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.
According to the statement, disturbing videos circulating online allegedly show police officers assaulting the deceased, with one officer reportedly using a polyethylene bag to repeatedly suffocate him until he died. The government noted that although investigations into the circumstances surrounding the operation are ongoing, the footage depicts a level of brutality that deserves the strongest condemnation.
The statement further revealed that in one of the videos, the victim was heard repeatedly crying, “I’m dying,” but the officers allegedly ignored his pleas until he stopped breathing.
The Abia State Government also expressed concern over reports that another Nigerian, Mr. Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was allegedly shot during the same period and is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries.
The government said it aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeria in condemning the incident, recalling that many Nigerians in South Africa have, in recent years, been victims of killings, assaults, looting and xenophobic attacks.
It stressed that Nigerians living abroad deserve to live in safety and dignity, rather than in fear.
The state government called on the South African authorities to respond swiftly to the demands of the Nigerian government by ensuring an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the killing.
It also demanded that all those responsible for the alleged murder be identified, arrested and prosecuted, insisting that anything short of justice would amount to a further insult to Nigeria and to the memory of the deceased and other Nigerians who have died in similar circumstances.
Furthermore, the Abia Government urged the South African government to take decisive steps to end attacks on Nigerians and other Africans, describing the persistent violence as a sad reflection of relations among people who should coexist peacefully as brothers and sisters.
Governor Alex Otti, on behalf of the government and people of Abia State, extended his condolences to the family of the late Chika Ibe, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
