Killing of Nigerians in SA ‘unacceptable’
NIGERIA has warned that the continued killing of Nigerians in South Africa must stop or there will be dire consequences.
The warning came on Monday after reports of fresh attacks by South Africans on Nigerians living in Pretoria West on Saturday.
Abike Dabiri, Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, issued the warning and called on the AU and the UN to look into the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
“There were reports that attacks would be carried out on Wednesday and Thursday on Nigerians in that country. These attacks should not be allowed to continue because it is a big setback,” Dabiri said.
He had earlier met Lulu AaronMnguni, South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, to complain. “We have lost about 116 Nigerians in the past two years. In 2016 alone, about 20 were killed. This is unacceptable to the people and government of Nigeria.”
South Africa had promised to investigate these cases.
The President of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Ikechukwu Anyene, said the attacks in Pretoria West began at 4am on Saturday.
Anyene said five buildings with Nigerian businesses, including a church, were looted and burnt.
“One of the buildings was a garage with 28 cars under repair, with other vital documents.
“Also, the pastor of the church was wounded and is in hospital.”
According to Anyene, the union received information that there would be further xenophobic attacks against foreigners today and tomorrow and gave warning to Nigerians living in the city.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians have taken to Facebook to warn that there may be retaliatory actions in Nigeria if the attacks continue.
One Facebook user said: “I am sorry to say this South African government is very weak and is incapacitated also. Therefore, for peace and tranquillity to reign, no Nigerian should be killed or hurt anymore in South Africa.”
Frank Agbogwu of the University of Lagos, said the time had come for Nigeria to expel South Africans with their businesses, including MTN.
“Other mobile network providers like Glo, Etisalat and Airtel can meet our telecoms needs. Let us ask MTN, Shoprite and others to leave if these killings don’t stop. Nigerians and the government should rise up now.”
MacNossy White, who is self-employed, said: “If the report of the attack is true, then the Nigeria government should wake up and be the protector of our citizens all over the world.”
Edith Ihoabhie, a Nigerian in Rome, Italy, said: “South Africans are killing Nigerians and nobody is talking. Are there no South Africans on Nigerian streets and are there no South African businesses in Nigeria? They should start counting their losses in Nigeria too.” Independent Foreign Service