XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS: ‘Evict All South Africans In Nigeria Now’ – Rights Activist Ozobo

•Demands Reciprocal Action Over Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Niger Delta rights activist, Amb. Comrade Ozobo Austin, has called for the immediate eviction of all South African nationals residing in Nigeria in retaliation for ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Ozobo made the call on Monday in Warri while reacting to fresh reports of attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses and homes in parts of Johannesburg and Durban over the weekend.

The activist described the repeated targeting of Nigerians as “provocative, barbaric, and unacceptable,” insisting that the Nigerian government must adopt a reciprocal stance.

“Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa have become a yearly ritual. Our people are being killed, their shops looted, and their properties burnt while the South African government looks the other way. Enough is enough,” Ozobo declared.

“If South Africans don’t want Nigerians in their country, then all South Africans in Nigeria should be evicted now. We cannot continue to tolerate this one-sided relationship.”

Ozobo urged President Bola Tinubu to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and issue a 48-hour ultimatum for Pretoria to guarantee the safety of Nigerians.

“The Federal Government should start by shutting down all South African businesses in Nigeria — MTN, DSTV, Shoprite, Stanbic Bank — and deport their citizens. That is the only language South Africa understands,” he said.

He accused South African authorities of “tacit approval” of the attacks, noting that security agencies in that country often fail to protect Nigerians or prosecute attackers.

“How many South Africans have been jailed for killing Nigerians? Yet our government rolls out the red carpet for their businesses here. This madness must stop,” Ozobo stated.

The rights activist warned that continued attacks on Nigerians could trigger retaliatory actions from Nigerian youths if the government fails to act.

“We are peace-loving people, but our patience is running out. If one more Nigerian is killed in South Africa, we will mobilize and take reciprocal action here. South Africans in Nigeria should take this as a final warning,” he said.

Ozobo also called on the National Assembly to pass a resolution mandating the Federal Government to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa and review diplomatic ties with Pretoria.

Xenophobic violence against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa has flared intermittently since 2008, with major outbreaks in 2015, 2019, and 2023. Despite repeated diplomatic engagements, attacks have persisted, straining relations between the two African economic giants.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not issued an official statement on the latest incidents as of press time.