FG cautions Nigerians as xenophobic attacks in South Africa spread

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to close their shops and prioritise their safety amid a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The advisory, issued by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM chairman, follows escalating anti-foreigner protests in several parts of the country, where demonstrators have reportedly looted businesses and destroyed property owned by non-nationals.

According to the commission, the warning was based on intelligence from the Nigerian consulate-general in Johannesburg, which indicated that protests in cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal had already turned violent.

NiDCOM said further demonstrations are expected in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29, raising concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals who depend largely on small-scale businesses for survival.

“Close your shops and avoid confrontations,” the commission advised, urging Nigerians to steer clear of protest areas and monitor local developments closely.

The commission specifically recommended that Nigerian business owners shut down operations on April 27, which coincides with South Africa’s Freedom Day, and consider remaining closed in the days following due to heightened risk.

NiDCOM added that it is working closely with South African authorities to safeguard Nigerians, noting that the Nigerian mission in Johannesburg remains operational.

It also disclosed that Bianca Onoh is engaging with South African officials as part of diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

The warning comes as disturbing videos circulating online show foreign traders being harassed and ordered to leave their businesses, further heightening fears of renewed xenophobic violence in the country.