Nidcom chair condemns killing of Nigerian footballer in Milton Keynes by British police

NIGERIA Diaspora Commission (Nidcom) chairperson Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has asked the UK government to thoroughly investigate the recent shooting of Nigerian footballer Kelvin Igweani by the British police in Milton Keynes.

Mr Igweani, was shot dead by men of the Thames Valley Police who attended a call-out to a house where a child was found with serious injuries. Officers were called to a property in Two Mile Ash, north-west Milton Keynes, at around 9.40am last Saturday and made a forced entry after acting on information from a witness.

Once inside, they found a man in his 30s who was later confirmed dead and a young child with serious injuries. Officers used a taser against Mr Igweani before shots were fired at him, leading to him subsequently required first aid and treatment from ambulance staff but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hon Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as very unfortunate and sad. She condoled with the family of the deceased and the Nigerian communities in the UK while praying that God grants rest to the soul of the departed.

“We call on the UK government for a thorough and proper investigation to be carried out on the incident,” Hon Dabiri-Erewa added.

According to the Thames Valley Police, the young child was taken to a hospital and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said a probe is now underway. Assistant chief constable, Christian Bunt, said: “What has happened this morning can only be described as absolutely tragic and will no doubt have an impact on the community.

"Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this incident. Our major crime unit are working closely with the IOPC to understand exactly what has happened.”