A Nigerian named Chinedu Eze has allegedly been gunned down by a Somalian in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
In a telephone chat Wednesday, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union in the province, Mr Mike Ibitoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Eze, 35, was shot dead on April 25 during an argument over a cell phone.
“Chinedu Eze is a native of Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. He deals in cell phones.
“Reports at our disposal said that on the fateful day, there was an argument between him and Somali man inside a car.
“The Somalian reportedly shot him three times, and when he ran out of the car, he shot him six times again, leading to his death,” he said.
Ibitoye added that the incident happened at the Bellview area of Cape Town, a place populated by Somalians.
“The incident has been reported to the South African Police.  
“The Police has commenced investigation, but we are not aware if the assailant has been arrested.”
Calling on Nigerians to remain calm, the Secretary of the Union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, said they had informed the Nigerian mission in South Africa.
“We appeal to Nigerians in the Western Cape Province to remain peaceful and law abiding.
“The Mission is on top of the situation.
“The union equally appeals to the Federal Government to ensure that the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa are protected.” he said.
Over the past year, there have been documented cases of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, leading to a diplomatic row between the two countries.
(NAN)