The National Association of Nigerian Students {NANS}, on Monday, demanded justice over the murder of a Nigerian student in the Philippines, Ikechukwu ‘Ikem’ Emmanuel.
In a statement made available to The Guardian by the Vice President, External Affairs of NANS,Babatunde Afeez Akinteye,the student body said such a gruesome and inhumane act must be vehemently condemned by the international community.
Akinteye said NANS was deeply disturbed and appalled by the heinous and barbaric act that resulted in the tragic death of the Nigerian medical student, Ikem in the Republic of the Philippines.
He warned that the relationship between the Philippines and China should not overshadow the pursuit of justice for Ikem, saying failure to hold the perpetrators accountable would not be tolerated.
He said” ‘’Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and the Nigerian student community who have been affected by this devastating loss.
‘’The brutal and senseless murder of Ikem, a promising Nigerian medical student pursuing his dreams in the Republic of the Philippines, is an unforgivable tragedy that has shaken our collective conscience.
‘’We unequivocally demand that the Philippines government take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
The culprits responsible for this senseless act of violence must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
‘’We emphasize that the relationship between the Philippines and China should not overshadow the pursuit of justice for Ikem.
‘’Failure to hold the perpetrators accountable will not be tolerated. We firmly assert that if the Philippines government does not ensure that justice is served, we will not hesitate to escalate this issue to an international level, including mobilizing a global protest at their embassy in Nigeria and beyond’’.
Akinteye said it was imperative that the authorities in the Philippines demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals within their jurisdiction, regardless of nationality.
He added: ‘’We call on the Philippines government to demonstrate their unwavering dedication to justice and the preservation of human rights by taking immediate and effective measures to address this heinous crime.
‘’May the memory of Ikem be honored through the pursuit of justice, and may his tragic passing serve as a stark reminder of the critical need to safeguard the safety and well-being of students and individuals worldwide.
‘’The manner in which this heinous act was carried out, with such cruelty and disregard for human life, is utterly deplorable and must be vehemently condemned by every nation that values the sanctity of human existence’’.
NANS implored the Philippine government to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and seriousness it deserves, saying: ‘’Justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served, as failure to do so would not only be an egregious miscarriage of justice but would also be an affront to the principles of humanity and fairness that form the bedrock of any civilized society.
‘’The international community must stand united in its demand for accountability and justice for Ikem. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must not be allowed to evade the full weight of the law. We call on the Philippine authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, ensuring that all those involved in this horrific crime are swiftly brought to justice, irrespective of their nationality or status.
‘’The Nigerian student community, as well as all concerned individuals and organizations, will not relent in our quest for justice for Ikem. We will pursue every available means, both diplomatic and legal, to ensure that those responsible for this senseless act are held accountable and that justice is served in its truest sense.
‘’The memory of Ikem will forever remain in our hearts as a symbol of the injustices that must be righted and a catalyst for the continued fight against any form of violence and oppression. Let us stand together in solidarity to demand that justice be served for Ikem and that his tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect the sanctity of life and uphold the principles of justice and humanity’’.