The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards investigating reports of the alleged unlawful killings and imprisonment of more than 250 Nigerian citizens in Ethiopia. This investigation was initiated through a motion titled ‘Urgent need to investigate the unlawful killings and incarceration of over 250 Nigerians in Ethiopia.’ The motion was sponsored by Senator Simon Mwadkwon, the Minority Leader from the Peoples Democratic Party representing Plateau North, and Senator Victor Umeh, a member of the Young Progressives Party representing Anambra Central.
In presenting the motion, Senator Mwadkwon called upon the Senate to direct the Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to collaborate with the Federal Government in promptly establishing a committee to visit the Republic of Ethiopia. The aim of this committee’s visit would be to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Nigerians living in Ethiopia.
Furthermore, Senator Mwadkwon urged the Federal Government to instruct the Ethiopian embassy to work closely with the delegation of the Senate Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs. This collaboration is intended to address the challenges faced by Nigerians who are currently held in Ethiopia.
The motion emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing video clips circulating on social media that depict Nigerians as captives in Ethiopian maximum-security prisons, facing grave dangers that require immediate intervention and a comprehensive investigation.
Senator Mwadkwon expressed deep concern over these incidents, particularly in light of the global call for unity among nations. He highlighted that this maltreatment is occurring despite the absence of evidence of any crimes committed by the affected Nigerians, as well as the absence of any court proceedings, charges, or convictions.
He underlined the importance of upholding the sanctity of Nigerian citizens’ lives and properties worldwide, as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution and various international codes and conventions. Senator Mwadkwon stressed that there is no justification for violating the dignity and lives of Nigerian citizens.
The lawmaker concluded by emphasizing that, in the midst of economic and social challenges facing Nigerian citizens, the welfare and safety of these 250 individuals matter significantly, and the Senate has a duty to intervene urgently in this distressing situation.
The Senate’s decision to investigate this matter demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens abroad and seeking justice for those affected in Ethiopia.
