By Gabriel Udeh
The recent death of a Nigerian in the hands of his lover identified as a Chinese citizen has continued to elicited the reaction of Nigerian, many of whom have condemned the alleged murder but advises that the development must not be allowed
to degenerate into racial profiling since the alleged crime of one man cannot be used as a a yardstick in judging the character of the many Chinese citizens living in the country and have contributed in no small measure to the development of the country.
Speaking with our correspondent in Kano Mariam Umar, the programme manager of Women for a New Nigeria Network Against Violence, noted that though it was sad and pathetic, it was however not a reflection of who the Chinese are.
“It’s a sad one that this is coming from a Chinese man, nevertheless it doesn’t portray the identity of the Chinese. The Chinese are known for their industrious nature and ability to adapt well anywhere they find themselves. This is an individual case and it shouldn’t be rubbed on the whole Chinese community in Kano and Nigeria in general. It Could have been any other national, it could have been a Nigerian in China. The most important thing is that this is not blown out of proportion to castigate innocent Chinese nationals living in our midst who have shown us nothing but love and a sincere interest in helping to develop our country.
Speaking with our correspondent on telephone the Spokesman of the police in Kano, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa gave further light into the development while at the same time advising Kano residents to allow the police do its job.
He revealed that based on the testimony of the suspect the police has already charged the case to court and assured that justice would be done to both the alleged killer and the victim in tandem with the law.
He noted that the alleged killer identified as Geng had confessed that he was deceived by his lover, Ummu who had promised to marry him, but betrayed him even after he had spent so much money on her and her family.
SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa explained that the suspect allegedly committed the crime after scaling the fence of the deceased residence to gain access and stabbed her severally until she died.
He also called on residents to remain calm and law abiding and desist from taking laws into their hands assuring that the police would leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is done. He advised residents to shun rumour mongering and to leave in peace with their neighbour irrespective of whether a fellow citizen or a foreigner.
Speaking on the matter a member of the Chinese business community association of Nigeria, who didn’t want his name to be mentioned as a result of the sensitive nature of the case started that, the entire Chinese business community in Kano were sad over the incident, while commiserating with the family of the diseased he said that Nigerians must not use the action of one man to judge the entire Chinese population in the country, since many of them are living peacefully in the country and contributing to the development of the Country.
“we were all shocked by what happened. Taking another person’s life no matter the provocation is not in our culture. Something like this has never happened before among the Chinese community in Nigeria. We are sadden by the development and condemn it in its entirety”
He noted that the leader of the Chinese business community in Kano who is also the Wakilin Mutanen China in Kano Mr Mike Zhang has already issued a statement condemning the dastardly act saying that they would do everything possible to ensure that justice is done and the family of the disease is supported.
