Key Takeaways
- The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed sadness over the deaths of two Nigerians in violent incidents in the UK and Canada
- The incidents occurred in the early days of the new year, with one victim being stabbed in London and the other shot in Toronto
- The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has extended condolences to the families of the victims and called for thorough investigations
- The Commission will work with the Nigerian High Commissions in the UK and Canada to provide support to the affected families
- The incidents have been described as shocking and deeply troubling, with the Commission calling for justice to be served
Introduction to the Incident
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep sadness over the tragic deaths of two Nigerians in separate violent incidents that occurred in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early days of the new year. The incidents have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community, both at home and abroad, and have prompted a swift response from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. According to reports, the two victims, John Temitope Onetufo and Osemwengie Irorere, were killed in separate incidents that have been described as shocking and deeply troubling.
Reaction from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has spoken out about the incidents, extending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Through the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the incidents as "shocking and deeply troubling" and called for thorough, transparent, and timely investigations to ensure that justice is served. The Commission has also commended the swift responses of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, and has assured that it will work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the UK and Canada to provide the necessary support to the affected families.
Details of the Incidents
The two incidents occurred on different days, with the first victim, John Temitope Onetufo, being fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of London. The 23-year-old Nigerian’s death has been met with shock and sadness, with many taking to social media to express their condolences to his family and loved ones. In Canada, Osemwengie Irorere, a 46-year-old Nigerian, was shot and killed at the Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal in Toronto on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety and security of Nigerians living abroad, and have prompted calls for greater support and protection for citizens living outside of Nigeria.
Support for the Affected Families
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has assured that it will work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the UK and Canada to provide the necessary support to the affected families. This support will include providing assistance with funeral arrangements, as well as offering counseling and other forms of support to help the families cope with their loss. The Commission has also called on the Nigerian community to come together to support the families of the victims, and to provide any necessary assistance during this difficult time.
Call for Justice
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has called for thorough, transparent, and timely investigations into the incidents, to ensure that justice is served. The Commission has commended the swift responses of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, and has expressed confidence that the authorities will do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Commission has also called on the Nigerian government to take steps to support citizens living abroad, and to work with international partners to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The deaths of John Temitope Onetufo and Osemwengie Irorere are a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges faced by Nigerians living abroad. The incidents have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community, and have prompted a swift response from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. As the Commission works to support the affected families and to call for justice, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect and support Nigerian citizens living outside of Nigeria. The Nigerian government and international partners must work together to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, and to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.