- NiDCOM Urges Nigerians to Stay Safe, Close Businesses in South Africa
- Protests in some cities have turned violent, leading to looting, destruction of property and injuries
- NiDCOM advised business owners to close their shops on April 27, which is observed as Freedom Day
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to shut down their businesses and take safety precautions following a surge in xenophobic attacks across parts of the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the warning comes amid growing anti foreigner protests, with demonstrators targeting foreign owned shops and calling for the expulsion of non nationals.
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In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abdur Rahman Balogun, the commission said the advisory followed a security alert issued by the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg.
According to NiDCOM, protests in cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, destruction of property and injuries.
The commission also revealed that intelligence reports indicate fresh protests are planned in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29.
It urged Nigerians to avoid engaging with protesters, stay away from crowded areas and keep track of updates from local media.
NiDCOM further advised business owners to close their shops on April 27, which is observed as Freedom Day in South Africa, and consider remaining closed through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign owned businesses are often primary targets during unrest.
The commission added that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently engaging with South African authorities to address the situation.
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