Nigeria has criticized an attack on its diplomatic premises in the capital city of Ghana Accra.
Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister in a statement on Sunday condemned what he termed criminal attacks in its diplomatic residence. He said that unidentified individuals crushed a people within the premises using a bulldozer. Time of the attack was not disclosed by the minister.
Onyeama tweeted, “We strongly condemn two outrageous criminal attacks in Accra, Ghana, on a residential building in our diplomatic premises by unknown persons in which a bulldozer was used to demolish the building.”
Onyeama disclosed that Nigeria is not leaving any stoned un-turned in its effort to unravel the culprits behind the attack and ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians in the West African nation.
“We are engaging the Ghanaian Government and demand urgent action to find the perpetrators and provide adequate protection for Nigerians and their property in Ghana,” he added.
Tensions are likely to be aroused between both countries who have enjoyed cordial relations as a result of the incident.
Claims of violation and eviction of the Nigerian High Commission and its inhabitants by the Ghanaian government were debunked by Nigerian authorities earlier in January. There were rumours of a diplomatic discord between both West African countries.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs ministry reported that the commission referred to was situated at No. 10 Barnes Road, Accra.
A press release by the government said lease paid at the property had recently expired while the commission was dialoguing with the host communities in an attempt to extend the lease.
Nigeria’s partial closing of its border with neighboring Benin Republic in August 2019, in an attempt to checkmate massive smuggling of rice and other essentials though the axis equally sparked tension.
The effect of the border control measure was far reaching as manufacturers in Ghana expressed disaffection over the impact on cost of goods.
However, Onyeama debunked insinuations that the blockade was aimed at specific countries but was instead made to curtail criminal activities.
Source: CGTN Africa