KEY POINTS
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Four Nigerians killed in Libya and South Africa incidents.
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Two deaths in Tripoli linked to suspected poisoning.
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Two others shot dead by masked gunmen in Durban.
Four Nigerians have been killed in separate incidents in Libya and South Africa, raisng renewed concerns over the safety of nationals abroad.
The victims — Collins, Osas, Austin, and Ayo — died in circumstances that friends and relatives believe suggest possible foul play.
Two Nigerians killed in Libya under suspicion
In Libya, Collins and Osas, both residents of Misrata, died in Tripoli after what sources described as suspected food poisoning.
The men had travelled to the capital with another Nigerian friend on July 20, visiting a neighbourhood called Oshofana — known as a hub for underground dealings.
After four days, their companion returned alone to Misrata.
He later said he received a call informing him that both men had died from poisoning. The claim sparked suspicion, and several Nigerians in Libya openly questioned his account.
“Given the nature of Oshofana and the activities that happen there, many of us do not believe his explanation,” one source said. Collins and Osas were buried in Libya shortly afterwards.
Two Nigerians killed in South Africa shooting
According to Business Day, in Durban, South Africa, three masked gunmen stormed Austin’s office around 8 p.m. on July 9 and shot Austin and his friend Ayo at close range.
Witnesses said the attackers forced their way inside and shot both men at close range before fleeing.
“They died on the spot,” said a friend who identified himself as Fidelis. He called on Nigeria’s government to strengthen its consular protection for citizens living abroad, warning that insecurity and targeted attacks remain a pressing concern.