Xenophobia: 116 Nigerians killed in S/Africa – Presidency

Over 116 Nigerians were killed in the last 2 years and 20 in 2016 in xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Presidency said yesterday.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa said it has credible information that more attacks against foreigners will happen in South Africa this Wednesday and Thursday.

She called on the African Union (AU) to intervene in the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

Dabiri-Erewa also urged the South African government to take decisive and definitive measures to protect Nigerians and other Africans in that country.

The presidential aide, who described the attacks as unnecessary setbacks, advised Nigerians to be cautious.

“The attention of the AU was being called upon to intervene because there is credible information that more xenophobic attacks against foreigners will take place on February 22 and February 23,” she said.

The presidential aide urged restraint on the part of Nigerians, but cautioned that further attacks without any reprimand might have dire consequences.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of foreign affairs has summoned the High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Mr Lulu Aaron-Mnguni, over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the country.

The ministry, in a statement issued last night, urged South African government to take measures to protect the lives and property of foreigners in the country and to quickly bring to justice the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.