Abia State Government Condemns Killing of Chika Ibe

The Abia State Government expressed outrage over the killing of Mr Chika Ibe, a Nigerian citizen and indigene of Lokpaukwu, Umunneochi LGA, by members of the South African Police Service in Cape Town on July 23, 2026. A statement from Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, condemned the circulating video showing police officers assaulting Mr Ibe, which allegedly led to his death.

The government described the incident as pure cruelty, highlighting that Mr Ibe was heard shouting "I’m dying" while being suffocated with a polyethylene bag. The Abia State Government urged the federal government of Nigeria to demand immediate answers from the South African government and called for a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into the killing.

The statement also referenced another Nigerian, Mr Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who was reportedly shot and is receiving treatment for severe injuries.