The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed profound grief over the tragic death of Qayyum Balogun, a 21-year-old Nigerian student, who was fatally stabbed in Dublin, Ireland.
Balogun was a third-year Computer Science student at Maynooth University.
He had traveled to Dublin with his sister and friends to attend a music concert over the June bank holiday weekend.
Qayyum was reportedly attacked after intervening to protect a young woman who was being harassed by a group of males.
He was stabbed multiple times and later rushed to St. James’s Hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, has extended condolences to the family of the late 21-year-old Nigerian student, saying his untimely death has left the nation and the Nigerian community abroad in profound grief.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking and deeply unfortunate, she noted that the death is a painful loss of a bright and promising young man whose life was cut short in the prime of his youth.
Dabiri-Erewa said this in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, NIDCOM, in Abuja.
According to the condolence message, Qayyum was widely described as a peaceful, disciplined, and hardworking young man with lofty aspirations of becoming a computer engineer.
Dabiri-Erewa stated that his death is not only a devastating loss to his family but also to Nigeria, which continues to take pride in the achievements and contributions of its young citizens across the globe.
NiDCOM Boss said that every Nigerian, irrespective of where they reside, deserves to live, study, and pursue their dreams in safety and dignity.
She therefore expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation by the Irish authorities would be thorough, transparent, and expedited to ensure that justice is served and that all those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.
She further commended the Nigerian Embassy in Ireland, members of the Nigerian community, and all individuals and organizations who have provided support and stood by the Balogun family during this difficult period.
She prayed that Almighty God grants the family the strength, comfort, and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss, while also praying for the peaceful repose of Qayyum’s soul.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s solidarity with Nigerians in the diaspora and encouraged them to remain law-abiding while continuing to uphold the values of excellence, resilience, and patriotism for which Nigerians are renowned worldwide.
