Nigerian Embassy in Nairobi on Saturday, August 3, disputed claims that citizens from the West African country were being targeted for killings in Kenya.
The statement came two days after a media outlet based in Nigeria, Sahara Reporters, sensationally reported that there were forced disappearances of Nigerian citizens and claimed that the Kenyan Government was behind some of the cases.
In a statement, the Embassy refuted the claims noting that the report was a concoction replete with falsehoods.
"A parody news item released by an online platform on Aug. 31 and captioned `Nigerians in Kenya have raised alarm over targeted killings…is a concoction replete with falsehood and unfounded allegations.
“The Nigerian High Commission in Kenya is not irked by the falsehood and frivolous allegations and will continue to conduct its statutory obligations on behalf of Nigeria and Nigerians in Kenya," read the statement as per Vanguard News, a media outlet in Lagos.
The Embassy further assured its citizens of their safety and urged them to go about their business as usual while in East Africa.
The statement also indicated that Nigerians had been supported by the Kenyan Government as opposed to the claims by the news outlet.
“The High Commission, in line with statutory obligations, is devoted to the proper treatment of Nigerian nationals in Kenya and acts expeditiously on their behalf.
“Contrary to claims of extrajudicial killings of Nigerians in Kenya by police operatives, there is no such incident. Rather, Nigerians have been supported where necessary to engage the host authorities in line with local laws,’’ added the statement.
An unnamed source detailed that the killings had began in 2018 when four Nigerians lost their lives in a span of just one month.
The source also told the outlet that the latest case was recorded in July and strongly linked the Kenya Police to the incident.
The Embassy, however, observed that the false reports were being propagated by a syndicate out to tarnish its name and affect the Kenya-Nigeria diplomatic relationship.
“The High Commission is aware of a syndicate which desires to tarnish its purposeful engagements and successes. Members of the syndicate, who have been beneficiaries of the service excellence of the High Commission, have consistently failed in their efforts to riot and unleash mayhem on the High Commission and its personnel.
“Their schemes include phony online videos, unsubstantiated petitions and threats to officials of the Mission, and campaigns to close the High Commission and create a diplomatic row with the host government," the statement disclosed.
