The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Europe, has condemned the use of force by Dutch police officers on Nigerians at a wedding party in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, last week.
NIDO Europe stated that a noise complaint that was allegedly reported from the wedding should not warrant the police officers to assault Nigerians.
The group made this known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Chibuzo Ubochi and the General Secretary, Dr Abimbola Oluwasona, and made available to Diaspora Tales on Friday.
A viral video sparked outrage on Monday when nearly a dozen Dutch police officers invaded a hall and disrupted a wedding party organised by Nigerians in Rotterdam.
One of the attendees, as reported by a British media outlet, Omega TV UK, said another Moroccan event was going on at the upper floor of the building, but the law enforcement officers accused the Nigerians of disturbing the environment with noise.
Reacting, the organisation said, “We note that accounts of what took place differ, and the facts have yet to be established. As Nigerians living abroad, we recognise and respect the laws of our host countries, including regulations governing public gatherings and noise.
“However, law enforcement must always be exercised with professionalism, restraint and proportionality. A noise complaint, however legitimate, should never become an occasion
for unnecessary or disproportionate force.”
NIDO Europe urged mutual respect between Nigerians and their host countries, while seeking Dutch authorities to investigate the incident.
“NIDO Europe will seek further information through its Netherlands chapter, NIDO Netherlands, and calls upon the relevant Dutch authorities to examine the circumstances of the intervention, including any allegations of excessive force,” it added.