The Nigerian community in India has been thrown into mourning following the death of a 32-year-old man, Lucky Ikechkwuijeh, who was allegedly beaten to death by his compatriots during a violent clash in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.
The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, outside a grocery store near Pragatinagar, Nalasopara East. Witnesses said the fight started as a heated argument before it degenerated into a brutal assault.
According to the Tulinj Police, Ikechkwuijeh was struck with a glass bottle and repeatedly punched and kicked until he collapsed. He reportedly died on the spot from the injuries sustained.
Confirming the arrests, senior officers of the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Commissionerate identified the suspects as Ayoola Babajide Barthlomew (50), Oghene Igere (47), and Odia Izu Peculiar (50). The trio were taken into custody hours after the attack.
Police said the case had been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to murder.
Ikechkwuijeh’s body has been sent for postmortem, while authorities have opened communication with the Nigerian Embassy in New Delhi.
“The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact motive behind the assault. The accused are in custody, and due process will be followed,” a senior police officer said.
The development has sparked shockwaves among Nigerians living in India, who expressed concern over the rising cases of violence within the diaspora community.
This comes barely weeks after Nigerian students at Gurgaon University, near Delhi, were attacked by Indian counterparts following a dispute over the use of a football pitch — an incident widely condemned after videos of the assault surfaced online.
India is home to over 30,000 Nigerian students and an estimated 50,000 Nigerians engaged in business and other economic activities. Community leaders fear that the latest killing could further strain relations within the diaspora.
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