Xenophobic Attacks: Ozobo Calls On Tinubu To Urgently Prevail to Stop Attacks, Killing of Nigerians in South Africa 

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Human rights advocate and media personality, Amb. Comrade Ozobo Austin, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and prevail on the South African Government to end the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

Ozobo made the call on Saturday in Port Harcourt while reacting to fresh reports of coordinated violence against Nigerians in Johannesburg and Durban, where at least three citizens have been confirmed dead and dozens injured since Thursday.

“The President must prevail on his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, to take responsibility and stop these barbaric attacks. Nigerians cannot continue to be slaughtered in a sister African country while both governments exchange diplomatic pleasantries,” Ozobo said.

According to the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, NICASA, mobs looted and set ablaze businesses and homes belonging to Nigerians in Hillbrow, Berea, and KwaMashu between Thursday night and Friday.

NICASA President, Prince Ben Okoli, confirmed that victims were mainly traders from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Anambra states. “They targeted electronics and auto parts shops. Our people lost goods worth millions of naira. Many are now displaced,” Okoli told Congress News.

Nigerian students in South Africa also reported attacks on hostels at the University of Johannesburg and Durban University of Technology. “We are living in fear. We need urgent evacuation if this does not stop,” said Faith Ebimoboere, a 200-level student.

Amb. Ozobo warned that the attacks could jeopardize the $3.2 billion Nigeria-South Africa trade relationship if not checked.

“South African companies like MTN, Shoprite, and Multichoice make billions from Nigeria. Yet our people are being killed in South Africa. The Federal Government must use economic diplomacy as leverage. Protect Nigerians or face consequences,” he stated.

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and the Ijaw National Congress, INC, have also issued similar warnings, demanding immediate government action.

Amb. Ozobo urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and report emergencies to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg on +27-11-442-3620.