Nigerian Government Urges Mozambique to Release Detained Citizens

The Nigerian government has called for the immediate release of 42 Nigerians allegedly arrested in Mozambique without any charges.

The appeal was made by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa. She condemned the arrests and described the reported targeting of Nigerians at a spare parts market as a possible xenophobic act. Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to either release these individuals or formally charge them in court if they had committed any offenses.

According to reports, the Nigerians were specifically singled out and arrested at a spare parts market, rather than any alleged wrongdoing or specific infractions. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the detained individuals were subjected to harsh treatment, including physical beatings, theft of personal belongings, and inadequate access to medical care, with many reportedly falling ill while in detention.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the detentions, highlighting that all of the individuals arrested are legal residents of Mozambique. “This is not just a legal issue; it’s a grave violation of human rights,” she stated. “We demand immediate action from the Mozambican government to rectify this situation.”

The incident has sparked significant concern among Nigerians both at home and abroad, with many calling for diplomatic interventions. The Nigerian government plans to mobilize its diplomatic channels to address the matter and insists on the protection of its citizens abroad.

• Calls for action include outreach to international human rights organizations.
• Social media platforms are flooded with messages of solidarity from various Nigerians, urging the government to take swift action.

The situation has highlighted not only the challenges faced by Nigerians living abroad but also the broader issues of xenophobic sentiments that can escalate into violence and discrimination against foreign nationals. Many are questioning how such incidents can be mitigated in the future to ensure that the rights of all citizens—regardless of nationality—are protected.

As diplomatic discussions unfold, the hope remains that quick resolutions can be reached and that all those detained will soon be reunited with their families. The Nigerian government has pledged to keep the public updated on the situation, emphasizing that the welfare of its citizens is paramount.

This incident underlines the ongoing issues of xenophobia and unregulated treatment of foreigners in various parts of Africa, calling for collective action and dialogue among nations to foster better understanding and protection for all.

By Omer Aden
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.