The Nigerian community in Italy has been thrown into deep mourning as a 39-year-old man identified as Alika Ogorchukwu was beaten to death in the European country.
The incident which occurred on Friday has since been generating backlash from the diaspora community.
In a video footage sighted by The New Diplomat, Ogorchukwu, said to be a disabled Nigerian street seller was seen being wrestled on the floor as his Italian attacker from hell later killed him in broad daylight in the centre of Civitanova Marche, a beach town on the Adriatic Sea.
According to some media reports and witnesses, the attack began after Ogorchukwu made “insistent” requests to sell handkerchiefs and “for pocket change”.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Embassy, Rome, Italy, described the incident as a ‘brutal murder’, adding that all hands would be on deck to ensure justice prevail in the matter.
The Embassy in a statement also condemned the onlookers present during the attack for failing to prevent the murder on the Nigerian as they simply watched and filmed the man till he breathed his last while being beaten by the Italian.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Embassy has been drawn to the brutal murder of Alika Ogorchukwu. A 39-year-old Nigerian citizen who was beaten to death by an Italian man on Friday 29th July 2022, in Civitanova Marche city, located in the Province of Macerata, Marche Region of Italy.
“The incident occurred on a busy street, in front of shocked onlookers. Some of whom made videos of the attack, with little or no attempt to prevent it.
“His Excellency, Ambassador Mfawa Omini Abam has condemned the gruesome murder and has commiserated with Mrs. Charity Oriachi, wife of the deceased, and the rest of his family.
“His Excellency has directed the provision of immediate consular assistance as appropriate. The Embassy is currently collaborating with relevant Italian authorities to ensure justice is served and to provide succour to the family of the deceased.
“Ambassador Abam wishes to enjoin members of the Nigerian community in Italy to remain calm and to refrain from taking laws into their hands.
“His Excellency wishes to reassure Nigerians in Italy that citizen diplomacy remained the key thrust of his administration and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all Nigerians in Italy receive timely, efficient, and professional consular services.”
Also, confirming the development in a tweet, NIDCOM wrote, “39-year-old Nigerian citizen was beaten to death by an Italian man on Friday 29th July 2022, in Civitanova Marche city, located in the Province of Macerata, Marche Region of Italy.”
Following the incident, hundreds of people from the Nigerian community and Italians protested in Civitanova Marche on Saturday, demanding for justice. Some compared the killing to that of George Floyd in the US.
Ogorchukwu’s wife, Charity Oriachi, who spoke with some Italian media organisation 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.”
