The federal government has demanded the release of 42 Nigerians who were arrested in Mozambique.
The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the demand on behalf of Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa condemned such acts and demanded the immediate release of the countrymen.
In a statement in Abuja signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the NIDCOM boss said that it was distasteful to learn that only Nigerians were allegedly handpicked for arrest.
She said if they ran foul of the law, the authorities should arraign and charge them before a court of law.
She said the reported sudden and specific round up of only Nigerians depicted a xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens.
Dabiri-Erewa therefore urged the Mozambican authorities to immediately release the arrested Nigerians or let the law take its course.
According to reports, the Nigerians were specifically singled out and arrested at a spare parts market, out of all the traders and individuals present in the market, without any allegations or explanations on why they were detained.
The Nigerians arrested have been confirmed to be legal residents and the Attorney General is reportedly not aware of any charges against them.
They were allegedly beaten, their personal belongings stolen, and many of them are said to have fallen sick and in need of medical attention.
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