The Nigerian government has called for the immediate release of 42 of its citizens reportedly arrested in Mozambique without formal charges, raising concerns over a possible xenophobic incident.

Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Mozambican authorities to either release the detainees or charge them in court if they had committed any offence.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said it was troubling that only Nigerians were allegedly singled out during a police raid at a spare parts market.

She said the arrests suggested a possible xenophobic attack and called on authorities to release the detainees or allow the law to take its course.

The commission said the detained Nigerians were confirmed legal residents and that no charges had been filed against them. It also cited reports that some detainees were beaten during the arrests and that several had fallen ill in custody.

Dabiri-Erewa urged Mozambican authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the detainees while the issue is being resolved.