Following the resurgence of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, some prominent Nigerians have spoken out in unison condemning the act and calling on the Federal Government to take decisive action against the South African Government to prevent further occurrence.
The Minister of Foreign Affair had on Monday confirmed the attacks on Nigerians and others via his official Twitter handle when he tweeted
“Received sickening and depressing news of continued burning and looting of Nigerian shops and premises in #SouthAfrica by mindless criminals with ineffective police protection. Enough is enough. We will take definitive measures”.
Reacting to the incident, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack, describing it as totally unacceptable. He admonished the Federal Government to take urgent steps in concert the SA and the African Union to bring an end to the ugly trend. His tweet read
“The attacks and killings have since stirred reactions from well meaning Nigerians calling on government to take drastic measures against South African government. Reported attack against Nigerians in South Africa is unacceptable and stands condemned.
“Urgent steps need to be taken with the SA authorities and the African Union to bring an end to this ill wind that can only end up destroying the fabric of our African brotherhood.”
Also speaking, Kingsley Moghalu, the 2019 Young Progressives Party, YPP, presidential candidate has condemned the killing and attack on Nigerians in South Africa.
Reacting to the development, Moghalu in a post on Monday, urged Nigerians to take reprisal action against South Africans. On his Twitter page, Moghalu wrote: “It’s time for serious reprisal action by Nigeria over the killing of our nationals in South Africa. That’s the national interest that should guide all our foreign relations! Some strategic interest of South Africa in Nigeria should be squeezed.”
Meanwhile, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has urged the Nigerian Government to hit South Africa from all fronts including severe economic sanctions. His post read
“This is good news. South Africa has crossed the line. They treat our people like filth and kill them for sport.We MUST hit them with ALL we have got, including sanctions on South African companies. They deserve to be taught a lesson and given a bloody nose. South African government should take note!
“Nothing angers me more than the way in which Nigerians are being subjected to mass murder and persecution in South Africa. The people and @GovernmentZA will pay heavily for every drop of Nigerian blood that they have spilt. We have long memories. Sooner or later we will retaliate.”
