The Nigerian Embassy in South Africa has shut its door to Nigerian
victims of ongoing xenophobic attacks in the former apartheid colony.
Speaking with Sahara Reporters on Monday, a handful of Nigerians in South Africa revealed how they now live in fear.
The latest attacks against nationals of other African
Speaking with Sahara Reporters on Monday, a handful of Nigerians in South Africa revealed how they now live in fear.
According to them, some victims of the attack, who visited the Nigerian Embassy for help and protection were denied entry into the place.
Former president of Nigerian Union South Africa, Iyke Anyene, told Sahara Reporters that Nigerians had remained in the houses, afraid for their lives and unsure if they would be the next victims.
He said, “In some parts of
“It started in Pretoria and people have not been able to do their businesses. It is not safe, there is widespread looting.
“Some Nigerian victims went to the high commission but were denied entry into the place.
“The high commission claimed that they are dealing with the
He said migrants from other African countries are also affected in
He added, “All African migrants are affected. When it happened in Pretoria, the police was there but couldn’t stop the attack.
“In Johannesburg, they were not able to stop anything. It is a very serious problem at the moment.”
A Nigerian
She said, “There is trouble, it is very tough. There is a state of emergency and the violence is still ongoing.
“No one opened shop today, our movement has been restricted.
“In Mabupane, they burnt our shops on Wednesday but we were able to save the ones we have around Sunnyside.
“These people are reinforcing and they are coming out to attack us.”
She added, “A baby just died in Marabasa because of the fire. We are
“Nigerian Embassy does not exist. Some of our people affected by this attack went to the high commission but the ambassador did not come out. It is a big shame on them.”
Last Wednesday in Japan during the Tokyo International Conference for Africa Development, President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, said that his government will address the killings of Nigerians in his country.
He added that the country’s criminal justice system was looking to proffer lasting solutions.
He said, “On the issue of Nigerians who are dying in South Africa, we feel very upset about that.
“Obviously, our criminal justice system is working on it. We don’t support killings.”
But despite his assurances, South Africans have continued to target Nigerians in xenophobic attacks, killing and destroying
In July, President of Nigeria’s Senate, Ahmed Lawan, disclosed
Experts say the figure could