The Nigerian government has called on the African Union to urgently intervene in the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa.
The government yesterday also called on the South African authorities to take decisive and definitive measures to protect Nigerian citizens and other Africans within South Africa’s borders.
In a statement issued in Abuja Monday, Senior Special Assistant on foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the attacks as an unnecessary setback.
While also urging restraint on the part of Nigerians, she warned that further attacks without reprimand may have dire consequences.
Dabiri-Erewa said the attention of the AU was being called to intervene because she had an information that there will be xenophobic attacks against foreigners on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23.
It will be recalled that Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa had two weeks ago met with South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr Lulu Aaron-Mnguni on the killing of Nigerians in South Africa.
Mr Aaron-Mnguni then promised that the South African government was investigating the matter.
“We have lost about 116 Nigerians in the last two years. And in 2016 alone, about 20 were killed. This is unacceptable to the people and Government of Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa said
The Nigerian Community in South Africa led by Mr Ikechukwu Anyene confirmed the attacks and looting of Nigerian-owned businesses in Pretoria West on Saturday.
Anyene said that the union had reported the incident to the Nigeria mission and South African police.
“As we speak, five buildings with Nigerian businesses, including a church have been looted and burned by South Africans,” Anyene said.
Credit: Guardian
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