The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two Nigerians killed in separate violent incidents in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early days of 2026.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incidents as shocking and deeply troubling while extending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. She spoke through the Commission’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
Dabiri-Erewa commended the swift response of the UK Metropolitan Police and the Toronto Police Service, urging them to carry out thorough, transparent and timely investigations to ensure justice is served.
She further assured that NiDCOM would work closely with the Nigerian High Commissions in the United Kingdom and Canada to provide necessary support to the affected families, in line with the Commission’s mandate to protect the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Reports indicated that one of the victims, John Temitope Onetufo, a 23-year-old Nigerian, was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve in the Lewisham area of London. In Canada, another Nigerian, Mr Osemwengie Irorere, aged 46, was reportedly shot dead at the Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal in Toronto on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to engaging relevant authorities abroad to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians living overseas.
