The Federal Government said it has received with deep disappointment the news of the execution of four Nigerians by the government of Indonesia for drug-related offences.
The Nigerians executed were Martin Anderson, Okwudili Oyatanze, Jaminu Abashin and Sylvester Obiekwe.
The government has demanded for the repatriation of their corpses for proper burial.
The government said it was saddening that the executions took place despite spirited pleas for clemency made at the highest level by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali.
Wali’s plea was made on April 21, 2015 during the 10th Anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership summit, which took place in Indonesia, Jakarta.
The statement by the government on Wednesday added: “The Federal Government wishes to express its condolences to the families of the deceased. It has asked the Indonesian Government for the repatriation of the remains of the executed persons so that they can be accorded decent burial in their various communities.
“The Federal Government seizes this opportunity to once again, warn all Nigerians to desist from drug trafficking and other offences that attract maximum punishment in several countries of the world.
“The Federal Government will continue to promote the welfare and protect the lives of Nigerians abroad, no matter their circumstances.
“Furthermore, Government is committed to engage the Government of Indonesia and other friendly countries regarding the conclusion of Prisoner Transfer Agreements and other bilateral means of safeguarding the interest and welfare of Nigerians.”
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