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Abia State Government Condemns Killing of Chika Ibe by South African Police, Demands Swift Justice
Abia State Government Condemns Killing of Chika Ibe by South African Police, Demands Swift Justice
The Abia State Government has strongly condemned the brutal killing of an Abia-born Nigerian, Mr. Chika Ibe, allegedly at the hands of members of the South African Police Service in Cape Town, describing the incident as a shocking act of cruelty that must not go unpunished.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said it received with profound shock and sadness the news of the death of Mr. Ibe, an indigene of Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, who was allegedly killed during a police operation on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.
According to the statement, disturbing videos circulating on social media allegedly captured South African police officers assaulting Mr. Ibe. One of the officers was said to have repeatedly used a polyethylene bag to suffocate him until he died.
Although investigations into the circumstances surrounding the operation are still ongoing, the Abia State Government noted that the footage reveals a disturbing level of brutality that deserves the strongest condemnation.
The government also pointed to one of the videos in which Mr. Ibe was heard crying out, “I’m dying,” while the officers allegedly continued the assault until he stopped breathing.
The incident comes amid reports that another Nigerian, Mr. Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was recently shot in South Africa and is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries, further heightening concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
Expressing solidarity with the Federal Government, the Abia State Government condemned what it described as another tragic episode in the growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The statement recalled that many Nigerians have, in recent years, been killed, assaulted, or had their businesses destroyed during waves of xenophobic violence and targeted attacks in South Africa, stressing that Nigerians living abroad deserve to live with dignity, security, and without fear.
The Abia State Government called for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the killing, in line with the demands already made by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
It further insisted that all those responsible for Mr. Ibe’s death must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, warning that anything short of justice would amount to a further insult to Nigeria and the memory of Mr. Ibe and other Nigerians who have lost their lives under similar circumstances.
The government also urged the South African authorities to take decisive steps to end the recurring violence against Nigerians by calling their citizens to order and ensuring that such acts are no longer tolerated.
Describing the attacks as a painful contradiction of the ideals of African unity, the statement stressed that Africans should coexist as brothers and sisters rather than become victims of hatred and violence.
On behalf of the government and people of Abia State, Governor Alex Otti extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Chika Ibe, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the painful loss and grants the 
deceased eternal rest.