The sudden death of a Nigerian national late Arinze Igweike living in Indonesia has sparked outrage following circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. Reacting to this, the House of Representatives on Wednesday, mandated its committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to investigate the allegations of heavy-handedness and inhuman treatment of the late Arinze by Indonesian officers and report back within four weeks.
This is coming days after the late Arinze Igweike, a native of Onitsha was said to have been arrested alongside other Nigerians, and thoroughly beaten by the Indonesian immigration officers for reasons yet to be uncovered. While the other boys survived, Arinze reportedly gave up while in their custody.
Federal Lawmaker, Hon. Lynda Chuba-Ikpeazu noted that it was rather said since Indonesia is signatory to the United Nation’s Universal Declaration on Human Rights of 1948, which advocates for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedom of every human being.
Citing other instances of inhumane treatment meted out on Nigerians by the Indonesian authorities, the Lawmaker said it was unfortunate that despite efforts being made by the Nigerian government to tackle the issue, it has continued to happen.
“There is an urgent need to critically address the heavy-handedness and inhumane treatment being meted on Nigerians by the Indonesian Authorities before more Nigerians lose their lives. If not properly addressed, this issue will undoubtedly strain the relationship between the Nigerian and Indonesian government in the long run.” She said.