Xenophobia: Nigerians seek protentionagainst police brutality
Nigerians in South Africa have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing attacks and other forms of Xenophobia against Nigerians. The Nigerian nationals made the appeal under
Nigerians in South Africa have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing attacks and other forms of Xenophobia against Nigerians.
The Nigerian nationals made the appeal under the aegis of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA).
They expressed concern over what they called increasing normalisation of hostility by South Africans against Nigerians and other non-South Africans.
In a statement yesterday, the NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, urged the Nigerian authorities to act with urgency, firmness in addressing the developments.
Onyekwelu said: “We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility; manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel. These actions not only undermine human dignity but also threaten the long-standing bonds of African solidarity.”
The NICASA president urged the Federal Government “to act with urgency, firmness, and strategic diplomacy in addressing these developments”. He added: “The protection of Nigerian citizens abroad is not optional; it is a constitutional and moral obligation.”
Onyekwelu stressed that delayed responses would reinforce the dangerous and false narrative that Nigerians in the diaspora are abandoned by their own government.
He also called for immediate high-level diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the protection of lives, businesses, and rights of Nigerians.
“A transparent mechanism for reporting, documenting, and addressing cases of abuse, harassment, and xenophobic violence.
“Clear accountability for any law enforcement officers found culpable in acts of brutality or discrimination.
“Public reassurance from the Nigerian government affirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens globally.”
Onyekwelu stressed that Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding, economically contributing, and socially integrated members of society.
He applauded the intervention of the Nigerian Consul General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, saying it had lightened up hope and shown that we still have concerned and committed Consul General whose efforts and actions need more governmental backing.
Also, NICASA reiterated its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement within our host nation. “We urge all Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with the laws of South Africa while we pursue diplomatic and institutional remedies,” Onyekwelu added..
