Nigeria Mourns 140 Migrants Killed in Djibouti Boat Tragedy, Calls for Action Against Irregular Migration

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has expressed condolences to Djibouti following the death of nearly 140 migrants, including 15 children, in a boat disaster off the country’s coast, calling for urgent collective action to address the root causes of irregular migration.

Nigeria, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, said the boat capsized between October 8 and 9, 2026, leaving scores of people missing, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The government expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and solidarity with the government and people of Djibouti over the tragedy, describing the incident as a grim reminder of the dangers confronting migrants who undertake perilous journeys in search of economic opportunities.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the disaster underscored the urgent need to tackle the underlying factors driving irregular migration, strengthen the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and promote safe, orderly and regular migration.

It stressed that efforts to prevent such tragedies must align with relevant African Union frameworks and applicable international instruments.

Nigeria further emphasised that protecting migrants, particularly children and other vulnerable persons, was a shared responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, as well as regional and international organisations.

According to the government, stronger collaboration is essential to prevent further loss of life, protect migrants’ fundamental rights and dignity, and ensure that migration is managed safely and humanely.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to working with the United Nations, the African Union and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen migration management, raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and develop practical measures to address its root causes.

It also called for renewed international cooperation to safeguard human life along migration routes across Africa and beyond.

The tragedy adds to concerns over the risks faced by migrants travelling along dangerous routes in pursuit of better economic prospects, reinforcing calls for stronger action against criminal networks that facilitate irregular journeys and for more sustainable solutions to the factors compelling people to leave their homes.

Nigeria reiterated its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the disaster and urged collective efforts to prevent similar tragedies.

Nigeria Mourns 140 Migrants Killed in Djibouti Boat Tragedy, Calls for Action Against Irregular Migration

Nigeria Demands Justice over Nigerian’s Death in South African Police Custody

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has demanded a thorough investigation into the death of another Nigerian national, Odueze Chimezie Odueze, who allegedly died following torture by South African police officers in Cape Town.

The consulate, in a press statement dated October 13, 2026, said Odueze died on October 9 in the Parklands area of Cape Town, describing the incident as a source of shock and distress to his family and the Nigerian community in South Africa.

According to the statement issued by the Consul General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the deceased was reportedly arrested at a shopping centre on suspicion of drug possession and subsequently taken to his residence for a search.

The consulate said no drugs were found during the search but alleged that Odueze was nevertheless subjected to torture.

The mission expressed grave concern over what it described as a recurring pattern of alleged extrajudicial killings involving Nigerians in South Africa, warning that the incidents raised serious questions about the safety and protection of Nigerian citizens and other foreign nationals in the country.

It also linked its concerns to reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals, urging the South African authorities to ensure that allegations of abuse by law enforcement officers were investigated impartially and transparently.

“No matter what the allegations may be, there are processes and steps to justice,” the consulate said, stressing that criminal allegations should be addressed through established legal procedures and that suspects were entitled to a fair hearing before a court of law.

The mission called on the relevant South African authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Odueze’s death and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It further appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid reported attacks and threats against foreign nationals.

The consulate extended its condolences to Odueze’s family and assured Nigerians that it would continue to pursue the protection, welfare and fair treatment of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.

Reaffirming its commitment to seeking justice for the deceased, the mission declared that it would not relent in insisting that “Nigerian and all lives matter.”

Nigeria Demands Justice over Nigerian’s Death in South African Police Custody

2027: NHRC tasks political stakeholders on respect for human rights

The National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) on Monday urged political parties and their candidates to respect human rights during the campaign as well as the 2027 general elections.

Dr Joseph Wanshe, the Gombe State Coordinator, NHRC made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe.

Wanshe said the call was imperative to tackle the violation of human rights which is prevalent during campaigns and elections season.

According to Wanshe, “everyone has the right to vote and be voted for in a peaceful election which is a fundamental human rights that should not be trampled upon”.

The state coordinator said political stakeholders needed to understand that rights were mutual and should be respected as human rights remained a critical part of the democratic advancement of any nation.

He said the commission has been organising training sessions, outreaches, sensitisation on the need to ensure human rights protection during the campaigns and elections.

He said this was to ensure that the voting populace, political stakeholders and contestants were aware of their rights and limits.

Wanshe warned against any attempts at forcing residents to vote against their wish as a way of influencing votes for a particular candidate.

He described the act as unlawful and a restriction on peaceful political activities, calling on politicians and political parties to desist from such violation of human rights.

“No one should vote in fear or be compelled to vote for a particular candidate. No one should vote under duress.

“Respect people’s right on their choice of leaders instead of advertising a candidate to them at the polls by force” he said.

Wanshe said such menace should be eradicated because it “does not defend the good of the people.”

He said that as a commission, campaigns and elections would be strictly monitored in collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure that no resident’s right was violated.

“If anyone is caught violating people’s right to vote by inducement or whatever means, such will be apprehended and handed over to relevant authorities for the law to take its cause”.

2027: NHRC tasks political stakeholders on respect for human rights