Atiku: Threat to kill Nigerians in Canada condemnable… our diversity must be protected

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Canada-based woman, for allegedly threatening to kill fellow Nigerians living in the country.

Sunnberger’s threat was made in a viral TikTok clip, which has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action.

“Record me, it’s time to start poisoning the meals of the Yorubas and Benin people, poison their food and drinks at work so they can begin to die one by one,” she said.

On Wednesday, the house of representatives committee on diaspora matters asked the Canadian government to prosecute Sunnberger for “hate speech”.

In the letter dated August 28 and addressed to James Christoff, Canada’s high commissioner to Nigeria, the lawmakers said Sunnberger’s comments “are a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians”.

The lawmakers demanded that an “immediate and thorough investigation” be conducted into Sunberger’s actions by Canadian law enforcement and appropriate authorities.

They added that Canada and Nigeria share a strong bilateral relationship founded on mutual respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Reacting to the development on Thursday, the former vice-president, in a post on his X page, said he “unequivocally” condemned Sunnberger’s actions in all aspects.

“The contentious virtual chat room clip, wherein participants made threats of ethnic cleansing against the Yorubas and Benin people, is unequivocally condemned in all aspects,” he wrote.

“I am informed that the identities of those involved have been disclosed and that calls have been made to the pertinent law enforcement agencies in Canada to prosecute the offenders.

“In this regard, I commend the House of Representatives and the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission for their prompt and decisive action in addressing this incendiary rhetoric and preempting further escalation.

“This disconcerting episode underscores, once again, the imperative of uniting our people and our nation.

“Our rich diversity is our most cherished national asset and must be vigilantly protected.”