Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for a comprehensive and expedited investigation into the death of Nigerian student, Qayyum Balogun, in the Republic of Ireland.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
While sympathising with the bereaved family, Dabiri-Erewa said the death of the 21-year-old in Dublin had plunged both Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora community into deep mourning. She described the incident as heartbreaking and deeply unfortunate, noting that the country had lost a bright and promising young man whose life was tragically cut short at a youthful age.
Qayyum, a third-year Computer Science student at Maynooth University, was widely known as a peaceful, disciplined and hardworking individual with ambitions of becoming a computer engineer.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the student’s death represents not only a painful loss to his immediate family but also to Nigeria, which continues to celebrate the accomplishments and positive contributions of its young citizens living abroad.
She stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of where they live, has the right to study, work and pursue their aspirations in an environment that guarantees safety and dignity.
The NiDCOM Chairman expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation by the Irish authorities would be conducted thoroughly, transparently and without delay, ensuring that justice is served and anyone found culpable is brought to account in accordance with the law.
She also applauded the Nigerian Embassy in Ireland, members of the Nigerian community, as well as individuals and organisations that have supported the Balogun family throughout the difficult period.
Dabiri-Erewa prayed for Almighty God to grant the bereaved family the strength, comfort and fortitude to cope with the painful and irreparable loss, while also praying for the peaceful repose of Qayyum’s soul.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to Nigerians in the diaspora and urged them to remain law-abiding while continuing to uphold the values of excellence, resilience and patriotism for which Nigerians are recognised across the world.
