By Sonala Olumhense.

(From the Guardian on Sunday 17th June 2007)

First, they beat him. See, they “had to” subdue him, so they must have employed considerable force to reduce him to a whimpering rag doll. They then bound him hands and feet.

Then, perhaps astonished he still had any strength left to cry, call for help, or curse his tormentors, they gagged him. Still, the hatred in his vibrant, angry eyes must have spoken more eloquently than a dirge, because they then threw a sack over him so nobody on the flight could see their inhuman work.

His name was Osamuyia Aikpitanhi, and the location was civilized Spain, on June 9, 2007. His tormentors were local officials who set out to deport him, but then took the law into their own hands to make sure he never traveled again, or lived to talk about his experience.

Mr. Aikpitanhi was a Nigerian. His brutal torture and murder is the dehumanization and insult of all Nigerians. This action is a challenge to the new Government of Nigeria, which must deploy every diplomatic means to obtain a full report and apology, as well as adequate compensation for the family of poor Mr. Aikpitanhi. Incidents of Nigerians being treated like animals abroad must be brought to an end.

To this end, Nigerians with an Internet presence should go to Nigeriavillagesquare.com and sign the protest letter, or call the Nigerian Ambassador in Madrid at: +34 915630911. You would be saving a people.