Shock and desperation were written in the faces of scores of Nigerians who ran to their High Commission at Siaka Stevens Street yesterday to seek protection against aggression meted out on them by miscreants who looted some of their shops and physically attacked some.
Apparently a group of gangsters yesterday morning attacked the Nigerian shops at Goderich Street and carted away spare parts, generators, and some cash.
Retreating, these hooligans also stole wares at the entrance of the Victoria Park belonging to Sierra Leone business people.
One of the affected Nigerians, Christian Upoma who deals in spare parts at 13 Goderich Street, explained to Awoko that, “I was reading a novel when a group of boys entered my shop shouting that we [Nigerians] voted for the SLPP. But I told them I was a stranger having nothing to do with Sierra Leone politics and I asked them to leave my shop. The group then attacked my junior brother and beat him up. I went to his aid but I was also hit on my head with a bottle”.
Chris said $16,000 was taken from his pockets with some Guinean Francs.
Four other Nigerians’ shops along Goderich did not escape the robbery with aggravation
The Nigerian High Commissioner, Adamu Abass who was visibly worried, calmed down the Nigerians, and urged them to exercise patience as they were trying to contain the unpleasant situation.
He informed them that there would be a high powered Federal official that would come to Sierra Leone to see the new president and put the issue on the table.
The High Commissioner directed his fellow Nigerians to close their shops for a week while they monitor the situation.
The Police Western Area Commander, Tamba Gbekie, assured the Nigerians that the police would ensure that they protect the life and business of all Nigerians in the country.
He gave out a police hotline which they would call if under any threat.