The Chairman
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission

May this appeal meet you in good health and clarity of purpose.

Under the united leadership of the Mhiship Community and Cultural Development Association (MCCDA), Mhiship Traditional Council (MTC), Mhiship Community Youth Development (MCYD), Mhiship Women Wing (MWW), and the National Association of Mhiship Students (NAMS), strongly condemned the tragic killing of Mr. Isaac Satlat in South Africa.

In recent days, both traditional and social media platforms have been flooded with the heartbreaking news of the brutal murder of Late Isaac Satlat. This painful incident has deeply shaken not only his immediate family but also the entire Mhiship Community, Pankshin South, Pankshin Local Government Area, Plateau State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Late Isaac Satlat was a promising young man from Jepmidyel Village, Mhiship Chiefdom, in Pankshin South Constituency of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. He was a student in South Africa, pursuing his academic dreams with the hope of contributing meaningfully to society. His father, Pastor David Satlat, has faithfully served in South Africa for many years as a missionary, dedicated to spiritual and community service. His mother, Mrs. Mary Satlat, and his siblings reside in Abuja, Nigeria. It is profoundly heartbreaking that a family devoted to service and humanity should suffer such an irreparable loss under such violent circumstances.

The killing of Isaac Satlat sadly is totally a criminal act. This reality is particularly troubling given Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. Nigerians made significant financial, political, and moral sacrifices in support of the liberation movement. Many South Africans studied in Nigerian institutions, including the prestigious University of Jos. The relationship between both nations was built on brotherhood, shared struggle, and African solidarity. It is therefore deeply distressing to witness repeated incidents that undermine this legacy.

With utmost respect to your esteemed office, it was reported by Trust TV on 16 February 2026 that the grieving father is seeking assistance to repatriate his son’s remains to Nigeria for a dignified burial. The Mhiship people are known for peace, hospitality, unity, and deep respect for cultural heritage. We raise our voices in earnest appeal: we do not wish to endure the anguish of burying our son, brother, and grandson in a foreign land. Cultural identity, ancestral ties, and communal mourning are sacred values in our society. Denying the family the opportunity to lay him to rest in his homeland only deepens their trauma.
We therefore respectfully and passionately call on the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to urgently liaise with the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and all relevant authorities to facilitate the swift repatriation of Isaac Satlat’s remains.
Bringing him home for burial on the soil of his ancestors is not merely a logistical matter, it is a moral responsibility and a powerful demonstration that Nigeria stands firmly with her citizens, both at home and abroad.
Beyond repatriation, we also urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to actively pursue justice for the family of Late Isaac Satlat. Justice is not only a legal necessity but a national affirmation that the lives of Nigerian citizens are valued and protected wherever they may be.
This appeal is made in good faith, with deep emotion, yet with thoughtful reasoning.
We trust that your Commission, established to protect and promote the welfare of Mhiship people and Nigerians in the diaspora, we pray you will rise promptly and decisively to this solemn responsibility.

Let justice prevail.
Let Isaac return home.
#JusticeForIsaacSatlat
#BringIsaacHome
#IsaacDeservesADecentBurial
Let Isaac join his ancestors in Mhiship Land, Pankshin Local Government Area, Nigeria.

Signed.
CC Martin Dapel
National President
Mhiship Community and Cultural Development Association (MCCDA)

Author: MCCDA