Two Indians killed in Nigeria, India demands probe

ABUJA: India today demanded a thorough probe into the killing of two of its nationals by suspected members of radical Islamic sect Boko Haram in Nigeria's troubled northern city of Maiduguri.

Shanker Saha, 35 and Bokul Chander Mondal, 35 were knifed and stabbed to death yesterday when they were attacked in a Gum Arabic factory in the city. Another Indian, Biresh Yadav, 43, was injured in the attack.

The victims hailed from West Bengal and were working with M/s Adebar Trades and Industries Ltd in Maiduguri, Borno State.

"This is the first time foreigners have been targeted and India is awaiting for the outcome of the investigation," Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mahesh Sachdev told PTI.

"High Commission has already contacted concerned Nigerian authorities to seek an official report on this gruesome incident," the Indian mission said in a statement.

The statement said concerned Nigerian authorities have been contacted for conducting a thorough investigation to establish the precise motive of "this heinous crime and the perpetrators brought to book."

Sachdev said the injured has undergone a surgery and has responded well to treatment.

"Apparently, the company owned by these people is folding and they may take their business to another state. What happens to the hundreds of employees in Maiduguri and the farmers that supply them with Gum Arabic materials?" he asked.

The High Commission stressed that it strongly condemned the attack on innocent Indian nationals.