One dead as Nigerians clash over Biafra in India (Photos)

An attack and counter attack in the wee hours of Sunday over Biafra, between a dozen Nigerian students created a ruckus in Hennur, as they allegedly attacked the residence of one Elvis Ohachosim, a 39-year-old fellow Nigerian, and set his car ablaze.

Times of India reports that DCP North East, Girish, said the counter attack was in retaliation to Elvis attacking two Nigerian friends on Saturday evening; an attack that has left Bengaluru Police now mulling over getting these Nigerians who came to India on business and student visas deported.

Girish further said this was not the first time the Nigerians fought over Biafra issue, as Bengaluru police had filed four cases against two Nigerian groups since September 3. According to Elvis’ complaint, 12 people arrived at his house in Vaddarapalya at around 3am on Sunday.

“This has been going on since the beginning of September. On September 3, Nigerian citizen N Chigozie, a resident of Hennur, died. Investigations suggest that he may have died after clashes between the gangs at an African restaurant in Kothanur.

The man knew he was in trouble so he did not open the door. His car was parked in front of his house and they set it ablaze instead. He has also said that the gang threatened to kill him,” the DCP added.

An FIR was filed at the Hennur Police Station later on Sunday against the 12 Nigerians. Elvis’ car was not completely gutted as a few of his neighbours helped him put out the fire after the gang left. However, Chigozie was found dead near Geddalahalli railway track on September 3. The Kothanur police had thought it was a road accident, but after preliminary investigation, a case of murder was registered. The police are now awaiting the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report.

Chigozie’s brother Nonso Odedike, has filed a complaint accusing a group of Nigerians led by a man named Aiwa, of attacking him and Chigozie at a restaurant named African Kitchen in Kothanur, on September 2.

“Chigozie’s brother has said that they were having dinner at African Kitchen on the night of September 2. They were discussing the Biafra issue when they were attacked. Six people were arrested in the case and are now out on bail,” a senior police official said.

The Indian Police Official said that two groups – one supporting Nonso who claimed that when the attack occurred, they fled the spot as his brother was killed while trying to escape, and the other supporting the six accused in Chigozie’­s murder, have been clashing repeatedly after September 3.

Elvis is believed to be a Nonso supporter, who allegedly attacked Christoper Okwi Onuigbo and his friend Ani Charles. The duo were part of the six-member gang arrested for Chigozie’s murder. The Kothanur Police filed a complaint against six people including Elvis for the attack on Saturday night.

“There are two gangs of Nigerians who are clashing over political reasons. We will submit a report about them to the Foreign Regional Registration Office,” DCP Girish said.