By Victoria Ojeme
ABUJA — The government of India, yesterday, demanded thorough investigation into the shooting of three of its nationals by unknown gunmen in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, on Wednesday.
Two victims of the shooting reportedly died on the spot, while the third is in critical condition at the Maiduguri University Teaching Hopsital.
The Indian High Commission in Nigeria, in statement in Abuja said, Mr Shanker Saha, 35 years; Mr Bokull Chander Mondal, 35 years, died in the shooting, while Mr Biresh Yadav, 43 years, was seriously injured in the attack on the premises of M/S Adebar Trades and Industries Limited, a company involved in the processing and export of Gum Arabic.
The victims, according to the statement, worked in the company and had been in Nigeria since 2007.
The statement said: " The High Commission of India to Nigeria was shocked to learn of an unprovoked armed attack on the premises of M/S Adebar Trades and Industries Limited in Maiduguri, Borno State on the morning of July 25.
"The attackers brutally murdered Mr Shanker Saha, 35, and Mr Bokull Chander Mondal, 35, and seriously wounded Mr Biresh Yadav, 43, who is currently battling for his life at the Maiduguri University Teaching Hospital. The attackers also took away some money before leaving.
"High Commission has already contacted concerned Nigerian authorities to seek an official report on this gruesome incident. The High Commission has also sought a thorough investigation by the concerned Nigerian authorities to establish the precise motive of this heinous crime and the perpetrators brought to book."
The Indian High Commission in the statement further regretted the shooting of its nationals, moreso when they were actively involved in providing employment to over 100 Nigerians.
The High Commission condoled with families of victims of the attack, adding: "Families of all three affected Indians were living in Maiduguri despite its current condition.
The High Commission also expressed solidarity with the management of the company and other Indians residing in the area.
Vanguard Nigeria