Nigerians in UK rally to repatriate slain student Uchenna Okirie
The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom is currently in a state of deep mourning and sober reflection following the brutal murder of one of its own. Uchenna Okirie, a young man who was affectionately known as “Common Man” by those who knew him best, had his life tragically cut short in a place he called home.
Uche was an international student living in Norwich when he was stabbed to death inside his own apartment in November 2025. This news has sent shockwaves through the diaspora, especially among those who are still trying to navigate the “Japa” life and find their footing in a foreign land. As an editor watching this story unfold, it is heartbreaking to see a soul that spent so much time helping others meet such a violent end.
The loss is not just for his family back in Nigeria, but for the entire network of friends and colleagues who saw him as a steady and genuine pillar of support.
The high cost of returning home in a casket
Following the tragic incident, the focus has now shifted to giving Uche the final respect he deserves. Because he had no immediate family members present in the United Kingdom, the responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of the Nigerian Community in Norwich to ensure his remains are returned to Nigeria for burial.
To make this happen, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched with a target of seven thousand pounds.
This money is intended to cover the heavy logistics of repatriation and the funeral arrangements required to lay him to rest in his ancestral home. As of the last update, the community had raised over one thousand pounds from dozens of donors, but there is still a significant way to go.
Repatriating a body is a very expensive and bureaucratic process, and for a student who died with so many dreams, the least we can do is ensure he finds peace on Nigerian soil.
Uches legacy of kindness to new international students
What makes this story particularly touching is the kind of life Uchenna lived before the “wahala” of that fateful November night. He was not just another face in the crowd; he was a silent hero for many new arrivals.
When young Nigerians arrived in the UK feeling lost and confused, Uche was the one who would open his door without hesitation. He was known for helping people set up bank accounts, find jobs, and learn how to navigate the complex environment of a new country. His unique smile and quiet generosity made him a “Common Man” with an uncommon heart.
He always placed the comfort of others above his own, and his house was often a temporary shelter for those with nowhere else to go. This legacy of service is why his friends and coursemates are now working tirelessly to ensure he is not forgotten.
Justice for the Common Man and a call for community support
While the community works on the burial plans, the wheels of justice are also turning in the UK legal system. A twenty seven year old Congolese national named Benjamin Katabana has already been arrested and charged in connection with the killing.
While we wait for the law to take its full course, the immediate priority remains the fundraising effort. This is a call to action for every Nigerian, both at home and abroad, to show the true meaning of our community spirit. No contribution is too small to help reach that seven thousand pound goal.
Uche spent his life showing up for others when they were at their lowest point, and now it is our turn to show up for him. By coming together to support this repatriation, we are sending a message that no Nigerian should be left behind, even in the most tragic of circumstances.
Join our WhatsApp group
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
