The Presidency yesterday condemned the killing of Nigerians in xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
“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,” the Presidency said in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The Nigerian community has continued to live in fear, with some of its members receiving calls threatening more attacks against their homes and businesses yesterday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some South Africans launched xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in Pretoria West at the weekend.
No fewer than five homes and businesses belonging to Nigerians were burnt by a mob.
Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigerian Union, South Africa, told NAN on telephone from Pretoria, that some Nigerians received calls asking for payment to protect their homes and businesses.
“Some Nigerians and other foreign nationals in Pretoria West now live in fear. Some have started packing their belongings for fear of more attacks.
“They confirmed to the union that some South Africans were calling and threatening to unleash more mayhem against them. The callers asked for money to be spared the attacks.”
“The union is worried about the development because the South African police are yet to arrest those who perpetrated last Saturday`s attacks,” he said.
According to Anyene, the union has pleaded with Nigerians to take precautionary measures and remain law abiding.
“We also urge the Federal Government to persuade its South African counterpart to put in place measures to guarantee the safety of Nigerians,” he said.
The Presidency urged restraint and called on Nigerians to be extra cautious. The statement called on the South African government to take decisive and definitive measures to protect Nigerian citizens and other Africans within South African borders.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said that the African Union (AU) was being called upon to intervene because there was credible information that more xenophobic attacks on foreigners will take place on February 22 and 23.
Two weeks ago, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa met with South African High Commissioner in Nigeria Mr. Lulu Aaron-Mnguni, on the killing of Nigerians in South Africa, who indicated that the South African government was investigating the matter.