Nigerian student attacked by 30 locals

olamide oni

February 8, 2016 9:03 AM

“We came here to study and make our future better, but we are labelled drug peddlers and criminals."

Indian women hold placards during a protest against the alleged molestation of a Tanzanian girl, in Bangalore.

A 27-year-old Nigerian student, Ibi Dola, studying in India has alleged that he was attacked by 30 locals.

The MBA student said he was attacked on Thursday, February 4.

Nigerian students took to the streets on Saturday, February 6 to protest the attack. A protest was also staged for the assault on the Tanzanian woman in Bengaluru earlier in the week.

“We came here to study and make our future better, but we are labelled drug peddlers and criminals. If anyone of us is found guilty, we will cooperate with the police, we are ready for any legal action.” said one of the students at the protest.

“Many a time, the police treat us differently and do not respond properly,” said another student at Dharna Chowk.

READ: Nigerian student killed by tractor in India

In response to the attack on Mr. Dola, the police in the area started an initiative to interact with Nigerians and other nationals residing in the area, to avoid a repeat.

Police denied allegations that Mr Dola had been threatened with a knife and a shotgun during Thursday’s attack.

“After inquiry, we arrested two youths. But we did not find a shotgun or a knife,” said Banjara Hills inspector P. Murali Krishna.

Sohaib and Faisal, who were arrested on Friday for attacking Mr Dola, alleged that they were also attacked by the Nigerians.

olamide oni