Canada-Based Nigerian Woman Under Investigation for Threatening Genocide Against Yoruba and Benin Peoples
In a shocking and deeply disturbing turn of events, a Nigerian woman living in Canada, Amaka Sunnberger, has come under intense scrutiny after making alarming threats of mass poisoning against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent. The threats, which were broadcasted during a TikTok live session, have sparked outrage and prompted swift action from both Nigerian and Canadian authorities, highlighting the seriousness of hate speech and the potential consequences of such dangerous rhetoric.
On Wednesday, Nigerians were jolted by a viral video showing Sunnberger, who resides in Ontario, Canada, making explicit threats to poison Yoruba and Benin people living in the country. In the video, Sunnberger, speaking in a mix of English and Pidgin, openly declared her intention to introduce poison into the food and water supplies of Yoruba and Benin individuals, with the aim of causing their slow and painful deaths.
Her inflammatory statements, which included references to various poisons such as Otapiapia (a common rat poison in Nigeria), sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community both at home and in the diaspora. Sunnberger’s brazen attitude, coupled with her assertion that she would carry out these acts at her workplace, raised immediate concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in Canada.
The gravity of Sunnberger’s threats was not lost on Nigerian authorities. The House of Representatives and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) quickly took action, petitioning the Canadian government to launch an investigation and bring Sunnberger to justice. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of NIDCOM, publicly revealed Sunnberger’s identity and sent a formal petition to the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, urging him to address the threat.
The House of Representatives also sent a strongly worded letter to the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, stressing the urgency of the situation. The letter emphasized that Sunnberger’s statements constituted a direct and serious threat to the lives of Nigerians, calling for an immediate and thorough investigation by Canadian law enforcement.
In response to the petitions and the public outcry, the Toronto Police Service confirmed that an investigation into the matter had been initiated. Sergeant Bassey Osagie, a representative of the Toronto Police, stated, “This incident has been reported to the Toronto Police Service and is currently under investigation.”
This development marks a significant step towards addressing the situation, as it indicates that Canadian authorities are taking the threat seriously. The investigation will likely involve gathering evidence from the TikTok live session, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the credibility of Sunnberger’s threats.
Despite the growing pressure and the seriousness of the situation, Sunnberger has shown little remorse. In a subsequent video, she dismissed the calls for her arrest and deportation, arrogantly boasting about her Canadian citizenship and the perceived immunity it affords her. “Somebody just sends me a message, say them arrest me, say them wan deport me, with passport? I be Canada pikin. See am now, I dey house, why I go dey lie?” she said, further inflaming tensions.
Her defiant attitude and lack of concern for the potential consequences of her actions have only intensified the calls for her prosecution. Her statements, made in Pidgin, reflect a deep-seated hatred for the Yoruba and Benin peoples, as she encouraged others to join her in committing acts of violence against these communities.
Sunnberger’s threats underscore the dangers of hate speech and the potential for such rhetoric to incite violence. In an increasingly interconnected world, the spread of such toxic ideas can have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to real-world harm. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring and addressing hate speech, particularly when it targets specific ethnic or cultural groups.
The response from both Nigerian and Canadian authorities will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The swift and decisive action taken so far reflects a commitment to upholding the safety and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their background.
As the investigation into Amaka Sunnberger’s threats continues, it is crucial that both Nigerian and Canadian authorities remain vigilant in ensuring that justice is served. The international community will be watching to see how this case is resolved, and whether the rule of law will prevail in the face of such blatant incitement to violence.
This incident highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their words and actions, particularly when they pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of others. It also serves as a reminder of the power of social media and the responsibility that comes with it. Hate speech and threats of violence have no place in any society, and it is incumbent upon all of us to stand against such rhetoric and promote a culture of tolerance and respect.
The outcome of this case will not only impact the Nigerian community in Canada but will also send a strong message about the consequences of hate speech and the importance of protecting vulnerable communities from harm.
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