Breaking: "Nigerians Must Go,” FG Breaks Silence as Ghanaians Protest Alleged Ritual Killings
- Public outrage escalated in parts of Ghana recently as demonstrators marched through city streets, demanding the removal of Nigerian nationals
- The protest, fueled by claims of rising crime linked to foreigners, particularly Nigerians, has ignited tension between the two nations
- The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has now waded in, per a statement on Tuesday, July 29
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.
Accra, Ghana - The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on Tuesday, July 29, said that while a few individuals may be involved in illegal activities in Ghana, the majority of Nigerians living in the neighbouring country are law-abiding.
As reported by Vanguard, days after a protest in Ghana, Nigerian authorities finally spoke via a statement by NIDCOM chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Source: TikTok
NIDCOM fumed against the generalisation of Nigerians as criminals, describing it as unfair and dangerous.
The Sun also noted Nigerian authorities' stance.
Legit.ng had reported how a group of Ghanaians recently staged a protest at the bustling Circle area in Accra, Ghana’s capital, demanding the expulsion of Nigerians from the country over alleged involvement in criminal and immoral activities.
The viral protest's video, which NIDCOM has now described as "disturbing", was also shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Nigerian activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
In the footage, scores of protesters marched with placards accusing Nigerians of encouraging crime and endangering public safety. The protesters accused Nigerians of mass streetwalking, kidnapping, ritualism, and violent attacks, among others.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: 'Our health at stake due to mass streetwalking,' 'Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,' and 'Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop.'
One of the protesters who spoke in the video accused Nigerians living in Ghana of being disrespectful, saying that it is wrong to behave as one wishes in a country that is not one’s own.
She said:
“Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.”
Ghana outrage: Authorities defend Nigerians
However, reacting to the protest, NIDCOM appealed for calm and urged Nigerians living in Ghana not to be provoked or go into violence with anyone, as the issue is being handled at the diplomatic level.
Source: Twitter
Dabiri-Erewa said:
“Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves while those bad ones should be fish out and face the necessary sanctions.
“Ghana and Nigeria are like siamese twins. They are brothers and such in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace like brothers.”
Nigerian artist killed in Ghana
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a rising Nigerian artist, simply identified as Destiny, was tragically killed in Ghana after allegedly being beaten to death by fellow Nigerians.
The heartbreaking incident occurred in the Volta Region of Ghana, where Destiny, a 19-year-old from Edo state, had relocated in pursuit of his education and music dreams.
It was gathered that the Afrobeats singer's trip and accommodation in Ghana were facilitated by a man he referred to as his 'street brother'.
Source: Legit.ng
