Following the directive given to the Nigerian foreign missions in South Africa to investigate and file a report on the increasing attacks on Nigerians in the country, the Nigerian government on Monday, summoned the South African High Commissioner, Lulu Mnguni, over the attacks.
“The Nigerian Government strongly urges the South African Government to take the strongest measures to protect the lives and property of foreigners living in South Africa and also to quickly bring to justice the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
“The ministry utterly deplores these acts of mindless violence and unwarranted attacks against other nationals in South Africa simply on the basis of their nationality or status.
“International law and the age-old written law of hospitality amongst nations and societies recognise the sanctity of the lives and property of foreigners everywhere.
“The High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria is being summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during which the Federal Government’s concerns on this matter would be brought to his attention.”
While urging Nigerians to be law-abiding, the government said it will continue discussing with South African authorities to address the security of Nigerians in the country, the Punch reports.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally insists on, and will strenuously work towards the protection of Nigerians anywhere, including in South Africa,” the ministry assured.
The Federal Government had earlier asked the African Union to intervene and stop the renewed attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in the the country.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, told journalists that she has been informed of more attacks planned for Wednesday and Thursday this week.
She said the attacks are an unnecessary setback and advised Nigerians to be extra-cautious.
She said, “The attention of the AU is being called to intervene because information has it that there will be other xenophobic attacks against foreigners on February 22 (Wednesday) and February 23 (Thursday). These attacks should not be allowed to continue because it is a big setback.”
