The Nigerian Government has condemned the killing of one of its citizens identified as Alirka Ogorchukuwu in Civitanova, Marche province, Italy,
On Friday, a video emerged of the assault on the 39-year-old man that occurred in broad daylight.
Anger on social media was prompted by the recording, which was allegedly made by onlookers without any attempt to interfere. A 32-year old Italian suspect has been detained for homicide and robbery.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns in the strongest terms the unjustifiable murder of Alika Ogorchukwu by an unnamed Italian man,” a statement by Franscisca Omanyuli, the spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.
The ministry instructed the ambassador to Italy to cooperate with the Italian authorities in their investigation of the situation.
Ambassador Mfawa Omini Abam urged Nigerians living in Italy to maintain their composure. Politicians in Italy also denounced the incident.
He appealed to Nigerians in Italy to remain calm and not take laws into their hands.
“The Embassy is currently collaborating with relevant Italian authorities to ensure justice is served and to provide succour to the family of the deceased,” the statement read.
Reacting to the incident, Ogorchukwu’s wife, Charity Oriachi, said: “I want to look that man in the eye and ask him why he killed my husband. There were so many people around, why didn’t anyone help him? I want justice now.”
Outrage over the incident has grown in Italy, where there will be early elections on September 25. The far-right League of Matteo Salvini and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia are expected to form a coalition led by Brothers of Italy that will take power.
The murder of Ogorchukwu is the third of such incident to be reported in a week. Two Nigerian men were killed on July 23 in the Canadian city of Vaughan while performing their jobs. While an arrest warrant has been issued across Canada, the alleged murderer is still at free.
Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, 25, and Chibueze Momah, 22, were working as security guards for ATL Lounge, according to York Regional Police.