The Government of Guinea Bissau has promptly apologised to Nigeria over Tuesday’s attack on the Nigerian embassy in Bissau by armed gangs and the killing of a Nigerian for the alleged kidnapping of a child. Three Nigerians were earlier reported killed but it turned out that only one died while the other two survived and were taken into custody.

A report this morning in The Guardian quotes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, as stating: “One Nigerian died in the incident, contrary to media reports. We have received their commiseration and investigations have already begun because the killing of one Nigerian is not something that we as a government would allow to go without justice in the new foreign policy practice.”

Continuing, the minister said: “Things have calmed down with an apology letter dispatched today (yesterday). The embassy is now well secured and our ambassador has sent a dispatch from that same building... Normal activities have resumed. It was a random mob, spontaneous activity borne out of pent up anger against Nigeria and our role in restoring civil democratic order there.”

The Nigerian Government has meanwhile ordered ordered an investigation into the incident. Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, told State House correspondents in Abuja that the incident was discussed during yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Dr. Jonathan.

His words: “Indeed, during the FEC meeting today, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II, who is in-charge of Africa, briefed council about development in Guinea Bissau involving an attack on the Embassy, resulting in the death of at least one Nigerian.

“And immediately the Ministry of Foreign Affairs waded into the matter and protested to Guinea Bissau authorities and made it clear that this was not acceptable.

“The Nigerian Ambassador in Guinea Bissau was directed immediately to take up the matter with the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Guinea Bissau and the matter is being investigated.“

Abati assured that the Federal Government would continue to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians across the world.

“You can be assured that this government responds proactively wherever any Nigerian has an issue in any part of the world.

“You know of course that we have very good relationships with our neighbours and other West African countries and the rest of the international community.”

•Photo shows Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed.

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