Abia Government Condemns Killing of Chika Ibe in South Africa, Demands Swift Justice

The Abia State Government has strongly condemned the killing of Mr. Chika Ibe, an indigene of Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area, who reportedly died after an alleged assault by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Cape Town.

The state described the incident as a disturbing act of brutality and called on the Federal Government to urgently engage South African authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, said the government was deeply saddened by videos circulating online that allegedly show police officers assaulting Ibe shortly before his death on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.

According to the statement, one of the videos appears to show an officer repeatedly using a polyethylene bag to suffocate the victim. The government said it was particularly distressed by footage in which Ibe could reportedly be heard crying out, “I’m dying,” while the officers allegedly continued the assault.

The Abia State Government described the incident as an act of cruelty that cannot be ignored, insisting that the circumstances surrounding Ibe’s death must be investigated thoroughly and transparently.

The statement also linked the incident to another reported attack involving a Nigerian, Mr. Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who was allegedly shot in South Africa and is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries.

Calling for decisive action, the Abia Government urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to demand immediate answers from Pretoria and push for a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into Ibe’s death.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where repeated cases of xenophobic violence and alleged attacks on foreign nationals have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.