Tinubu Directs Nigerian Missions In South Africa To Protect Citizens

Tinubu Directs Nigerian Missions In South Africa To Protect Citizens
Warns Against Escalating Attacks On Nigerians
Over 130 Nigerians Register For Evacuation From South Africa

President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa to immediately establish crisis notification units to support Nigerians affected by the growing anti-foreigner tensions in the country.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the directive was disclosed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, following discussions with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, amid rising concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.

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According to the minister, Nigerians facing threats or emergencies have been advised to immediately contact South African security agencies while also reaching out to the newly created crisis response channels through Nigerian diplomatic missions.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has directed that Nigerian missions in South Africa establish crisis notification units with immediate effect for citizens facing danger,” she stated.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that although South African authorities expressed concerns over Nigeria’s evacuation plans, the Federal Government could not ignore what she described as the harassment, intimidation and unlawful killings allegedly targeting Nigerians in the country.

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She stressed that the evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home remains a priority for the Federal Government as tensions continue to rise.

The minister also called on South African authorities to ensure that cases involving attacks and killings of Nigerians are properly investigated and prosecuted.

She condemned the activities and rhetoric of anti-foreigner groups in South Africa, warning that continued hostility against African migrants could create wider diplomatic and social consequences.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further expressed concern over reports that Nigerian children and children of mixed Nigerian-South African heritage, often referred to as “Sougerians,” were allegedly being bullied in schools and told to “return to their country.”

According to her, such incidents could leave lasting emotional trauma on affected children.

She noted, however, that Lamola acknowledged the concerns and assured that South African authorities were working with educational institutions and security agencies to discourage such behaviour and maintain order.

The minister praised Nigerians in South Africa for remaining calm despite the tensions and warned against retaliatory actions.

Questioning the pattern of the attacks, she argued that the hostility appeared to be largely directed at black African migrants, suggesting that the situation may be more accurately described as “Afriphobia” rather than xenophobia.

She confirmed that both Nigeria and South Africa would continue diplomatic engagements aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further escalation.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that no casualties were recorded during recent protests in Durban due to heavy security deployment, although Nigerians in the area were advised to remain indoors temporarily and close their businesses for safety.

Reports indicate that at least 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as fears continue to grow.

The Federal Government had earlier summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, following the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly linked to assaults by South African security personnel.

Recent anti-foreigner protests have reportedly spread across Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March Movement associated with the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has condemned the attacks and suggested a temporary suspension of business permits issued to South African companies operating in Nigeria.