Xenophobia: Reactions trail attack on Nigerians, others by South Africans

A cross-section of Nigerians on Monday lamented on social media over a recent attack on Nigerians in South Africa.

DAILY POST reports that viral videos on Monday showed widespread attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.

The President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo who confirmed the development to NAN said on Monday that the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals. But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest.

“Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses,’’ he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Reactions have continued to trail the development on social media as Nigerians expressed sadness over the development, calling on the present administration to secure Nigerians.

Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST from Twitter:

@Is_salsu “This Xenophobia attack on Nigerians in South Africa is saddening. Our brothers and sisters do not deserve this no matter what.”

@Royaltyuso “Nigeria cannot even vex and ask her citizens to return home. Nigerians in the diaspora will rather face hell abroad than return to Nigeria. The harsh reality of a failed nation.”

@Yohanloyal “South Africans call our Nigerian brothers criminals but see them. Bloody hungry people. No food when there is no attack on foreigners.”

@Localblack_man “Dear South Africans, Let’s all learn how to love and uplift one another as Africans, don’t forget there are South Africans in other countries. Let love reign.”

@Onyiiforlife “This is unacceptable. We can’t have this Xenophobia attacks happening. Right now it is out of control.”

@Odun42000 “South African owned companies in Nigeria are the most patronized among their equals e.g. MTN, DSTV, Shoprite etc and Nigerians never hated or harm their people nor their properties. Stop killing/hurting your fellow Africans, we are one Africa stop Xenophobia.”

@Frank_Leahxv “Nigerians have accommodated other countries in the past and it never leads to unnecessary killings, see South Africa wey just blow yesterday are now killing Nigerians because they want them out of their country. Make them know to say this world dey revolve o.”

@Makanakii “I’m black and Nigerian, you are black and South African… we are both black, Don’t attack me, I’m your brother!!! Let love reign, allow me in your home and come to mine too!

@MrUcheya “If our govt could be a bit more responsive, I don’t think this bloodthirsty South Africans would be killing our brothers in their land. South Africans are the most miserable people on earth. How do u sleep after killing your type?

@Stevehezy “Burning of humans? And you think this is right? You are just a murderer, nothing more to this. stop Xenophobia.”

@Anulikay “For a nation that suffered racial segregation/apartheid for almost fifty years, I find it quite inhumane that South Africans have no qualms meeting the same to others. Especially, as a nation that had to rely on aid from other African countries.”

@Yungtunesneh “Africans hating on Africans. Stop xenophobia now.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, reacting to the attack in a tweet on his official Twitter page on Monday, said the Nigerian Government will take decisive measures on the issue.

He said, “Received sickening and depressing news of continued burning and looting of Nigerian shops and premises in South Africa by mindless criminals with ineffective police protection. Enough is enough. We will take definitive measures.”

- DAILY POST