The National Association of Nigerian Students (NAN) has called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene to ensure the safety of Nigerian students. South Africa Amid rising xenophobic tensions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS Vice President of External Affairs, Aneke Kenechuku, He expressed concern over the increasing patterns of hostility against foreign nationals, especially Nigerians and other Africans.
The student organization warned that the escalating situation poses a serious threat to life and undermines the ideals of African unity and cooperation.
“Nigerian students in South Africa now live in fear and uncertainty,” read the statement.
“As young ambassadors and future leaders of our country, their safety must be treated as a national emergency.”
NANS urged the Federal Government to take prompt diplomatic steps by engaging the South African authorities to ensure robust guarantees for the safety of Nigerian citizens, especially students.
The association also called for the activation of diplomatic channels to closely monitor developments and ensure that perpetrators of xenophobic violence are brought to justice.
“Diplomacy is the most responsible path, but it must be proactive, firm and result-oriented. Nigerian lives should not be abandoned to bureaucratic delays,” The statement said.
Beyond diplomacy, the student body appealed for immediate assistance for affected students, including the provision of safe shelters, emergency hotlines and financial aid where necessary.
It recommended the development of a coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students wishing to return home.
According to NANS, such measures will help prevent the risk of life-threatening risks.
naija news It understands that xenophobic protests have intensified in parts of South Africa, including Pretoria and other cities, where migrants have reportedly faced harassment, violence and threats.
There are also claims that protesters targeted schools, attempting to remove or prevent children of foreign nationals from attending classes.
The unrest has reportedly resulted in several deaths, including two Nigerians, raising concerns within the expatriate community.
NANS stressed the need for collaboration between the Federal Government, student bodies, Nigerian diplomatic missions and international partners to ensure the safety of Nigerian students abroad.
“Now is the time to act. Every delay puts innocent lives at risk.”The statement ended.
While Nigeria's acting ambassador to South Africa, the South African President, has said the situation is under control Cyril Ramaphosa He has urged foreign nationals to respect local laws, reaffirming his administration's commitment to upholding human rights.