Nigerian Student Brutally Murdered by Chinese Nationals in the Philippines: Seeking Justice for Ikem

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Over time, the number of Nigerian students studying abroad who have been killed by identified and yet-to-be-identified persons has been on the increase. Despite promises made by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the government, justice has remained elusive for these victims. One such victim is Chibuikem Emmanuel, a 28-year-old nursing student who was battered to death in the Philippines.

Emmanuel’s classmate, who wished to be identified as Xiu for security purposes, revealed that he was lured to a corner by a group of Chinese nationals who he had gotten into an argument with over commission meant for his Filipino lover. They overpowered him, gagged him, and beat him to death. Xiu, who is also of Chinese origin, expressed shock and disbelief at the brutal killing of his close friend. He described it as a deliberate attempt to kill Emmanuel.

Further investigations into the incident revealed that Emmanuel’s girlfriend, Diane, had accompanied him to the Philippines to seek a call center job. Diane worked as a recruiter for a telecommunications company owned by Chinese nationals. Trouble began when their relationship was discovered and the company reminded them of their no-dating policy for co-workers. The boss suggested that one of them should resign, but Emmanuel insisted that they would leave together if the company did not want them to be together.

This disagreement led to an argument between Emmanuel and the boss, who refused to pay him for the period he had worked. Diane, on the other hand, was entitled to a commission based on her contract, but the company said it would only be paid at the end of the month. Frustrated, Emmanuel and Diane requested their commission as they needed the money to travel back to their city. The boss made a phone call, and several Chinese men arrived, luring them to the back of the building.

Diane managed to escape and returned to the office space, shouting for help. The men had taken Emmanuel to an unknown location. The boss claimed that Emmanuel had been taken to a police station, but it was later discovered to be a lie. When Emmanuel was eventually found, he was gagged and battered to a state of unconsciousness. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, with initial findings indicating head trauma as the cause of death.

Nigerians living in the Philippines have expressed their frustration with the hostile treatment they receive, emphasizing that Nigerians are treated like trash and subjected to mob justice. They highlighted a recent case of a Nigerian girl who was brutally raped, but no action was taken. They criticized the Nigerian Embassy for being reactive rather than proactive in protecting their interests, only responding after someone has died.

The Nigerian mission in the Philippines released a statement urging Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that they were handling the matter. However, Nigerians living in the country feel that the embassy’s actions are insufficient and that more needs to be done to address the safety and security concerns of Nigerian students studying abroad.

The tragic death of Chibuikem Emmanuel highlights the need for stronger measures to protect Nigerian students studying abroad. It is essential for both the Nigerian government and the international community to prioritize the safety and well-being of these students and ensure that justice is served for those who have been victims of violence..