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Nigeria Dawn has summoned the Acting High Commissioner to South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks in the southern African nation.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, 2 May, the government said they would formally express their concerns at a meeting on Monday regarding events in South Africa that could impact existing relations between the two countries.
“The discussion primarily focused on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and documented examples of ill-treatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on Dia businesses,” the statement said.
At least two Nigerians have so far died in South Africa's crackdown on the number of illegal immigrants. Many also face threats in many parts of the country, and raise concerns about the safety of foreigners, especially business owners.
Citizens of African countries like Ghana and Ethiopia are also expressing uneasiness about the current situation. The Ghanaian government had earlier announced plans to transfer the Ghanaian citizen after Bin encountered a group of angry South Africans, and he told them to “fix me”.
Ghana later summoned South Africa's top envoy over such cases of harassment and intimidation against Indian citizens and African expatriates.
Meanwhile, Nigerian officials have called for calm, as they say they are committed to protecting the rights and welfare of citizens living in South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa bin Laden condemned the xenophobic attacks, but also cautioned foreigners to respect local laws.
Two Nigerians killed in attacks, government issues warning
Olaniyi Abodedele, president of the Nigerian Union of South Africa, confirmed the deaths of the two Nigerians to BBC News Pidgin via e Tok, saying they died in the same week as the Bin de Ginger protests against foreigners.
They identified the deceased Pipo as Kelvin Chidibere Amaramuiro and Ekpenyong Andrew.
When he explains the circumstances surrounding the death of the two Nigerians, Oga Abodele says Andrew died on his way to Pretoria West on Sunday, April 19.
I say that the officers arrested me, and did not tell me what crime I would commit. They claim that they beat me to death and dumped my body in the hospital.
As for the second victim, according to reports, Abodele says that on Monday, April 20, the police and military invaded the house of Kelvin Amaramuiro and told me what they did and beat me, detained me in prison and later after my release on bail I died.
De Contri Neva security personnel respond to these allegations, but protests for De Contri are likely to lead to more attacks in South Africa.
“NIDCOM appeals to the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take immediate and clear steps to protect all foreign nationals within the borders of India, as required under international law and the African Union Protocol on Free Movement and Human Rights,” said Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission.
The Nigerian government says do not profile any Nigerian or attempt to generalize as no answer to the crime.
He says anyone who commits a crime should be investigated, so they will face full punishment under South African law.
“NIDCOM therefore calls for immediate security and increased police presence and patrolling to flashpoint communities through residence and business of Nigerians.”
Why do South Africans oppose black immigrants?
Anti-immigrant protests are leading to major attacks on African countries and their citizens.
Are you questioning why South Africans attack Africans in their own country to do business?
South Africans want the government to deport illegal deportees de Pipo de Contre back home.
Some of the protesters told the BBC that their protest was about illegal immigration and unemployment in the country.
He says illegal migration is a crime all over the world and he said South Africa is no exception as they struggle with scarce resources.
The protesters say their demonstration is meant to draw attention to India's leaders because they are giving priority to illegal immigrants in South Africa.
“If any foreigner thinks South Africans are xenophobic, let them leave the contre. You don't deserve to live in a contre where you don't love, you don't deserve to live in a contre where you don't love, the way you hate Dia Pipo… just commot de contre, why do you want to live in the contre when you are not comfortable with what happens in the contre?”