The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, calling on the South African government to take urgent and decisive steps to safeguard Nigerian citizens and other black immigrants.
In a statement, the commission expressed deep concern over escalating incidents of violence and intimidation, noting reports that Nigerian students are increasingly afraid to attend school, while businesses owned by Nigerians continue to be targeted for looting and harassment.
“The situation is worsening despite previous attempts at de-escalation,” said the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa. “We are seeing children afraid to go to school and business owners fearing for their lives. This has gone on long enough.”
NIDCOM rejected any attempt to generalize Nigerians as criminals, stressing that criminal behaviour is not tied to nationality. “We categorically reject the profiling of Nigerians based on the actions of a few individuals. Crime has no nationality,” the commission stated.
The agency urged the South African government to implement immediate measures, including increased security presence in areas with significant Nigerian populations, swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, and the establishment of a community safety forum involving Nigerian diaspora leaders, South African authorities, and law enforcement agencies.
It also called for a firm public condemnation of xenophobia by South African authorities to discourage stereotyping and prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, NIDCOM advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain vigilant, adhere to local laws, and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night.
“We remain in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg to ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens,” Dabiri-Erewa added.NIDCOM concluded by acknowledging the majority of South Africans who continue to live peacefully with their African neighbors. However, it emphasized that the violence must end, and greater action is required to protect foreign nationals.
