Nigeria And India In ''Diplomatic Dialogue'' Over The Killing Of Nigerian National

Smoothing the tensions between India and Nigeria caused by the October 31 killing of a Nigerian, Obinna Simone, in Goa, India stated on Wednesday that it is in "diplomatic dialogue" with the Nigerian High Commission and is awaiting a probe report into the death.

Indian police yesterday arrested Surendra Paul from Chapora, a village known to be a haven for drug traffickers, suspected to be one of the six attackers involved in killing Simione. Simione had been reported to be hacked to death by a group of Goan drug traffickers, while five other Nigerians suffered stab wounds.

Speaking at a briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday, spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Syed Akbaruddin, discounted any tension with Abuja over the death and the clash between Nigerians and the police that followed in Goa, stating: "We are in diplomatic dialogue with them, we have explained to them the circumstances and the situation." 

He added the Nigerian High Commission is "concerned and anguished" and has requested for a thorough probe into the "death and consequent issues that flowed from that."

The Nigerian High Commission is also in touch with the Goa Chief Secretary who has assured he will "get to the bottom" of the matter and provide a report in 48 hours.