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Nigerians attacked in UP: 5 arrested

Four Nigerian students were allegedly attacked by residents in Greater Noida, who were taking out a candle-light march for a 17-year-old boy who had died last week due to suspected drug overdose.

Five people have been arrested by the police in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the attack.

The protest march was taken out after police released some Nigerians detained for questioning in connection with the death of the Class 12 student Manish in Greater Noida’s NSG Black Cats Enclave due to ‘lack of evidence’.

The boy’s parents had alleged that the foreigners had kidnapped him and given him drugs which caused his death.

Sujata Singh, superintendent of police, Greater Noida said the protesters became violent during the march and started beating up the Africans they saw on the road.

“They also went to Ansal Mall and caused havoc and beat up Africans there. Police then rescued them and moved them to a safe place,” she said.

“Police had to use force to dissuade people from attacking and arrested five people from the spot. Many of them who were there trying to play mischief have been identified as the entire event had been video-graphed. An FIR (first information report) has been registered and action will be taken accordingly,” Daljit Chaudhary, ADG Law and Order, told reporters in Greater Noida.

The Nigerian nationals, who were assaulted, said they had no clue as to what had prompted the attack on them and added that no one helped them or called the police while they were being beaten up.

“We don’t know why we were assaulted; the mob hit us with rods, bricks and knives. We asked the people around for help, but not one called the police. Even our college did not help,” said one of the victims.

“Nobody tried to assist us or tried to help. Before also in my society people used to say that we should leave this country. I have no words for people like this,” said another Nigerian national.

President of the Association of African students Samuel Jack said that Monday’s attack was ‘highly racially-motivated’.

“What has happened is false perception and false idea about African people. We are accused of abductions and murder. It is a hate crime towards us. We are in touch with the African Union chairperson also with the local African media. We are going to give a detailed report and information,” Jack added.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the central government was taking immediate action and that she had spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who had assured her of a fair and impartial investigation into this ‘unfortunate’ incident.

The Greater Noida Superintendent of Police said the police had not yet given a clean chit to the Nigerian nationals accused by the victim’s parents.

With inputs from ANI

IMAGE: Injured Nigerian nationals being treated at a hospital in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI

Source: Rediff