Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian embassy compiling list of victims, engaging SA

The Nigerian Embassy to South Africa has stated that it is compiling the list of victims in the recent Xenophobic attacks which has led to loss of lives.

In a statement signed by Ambassador Kabiru Bala, Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa, all Nigerian victims of the current attacks are requested to come forward to report their situation.

“The High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria views with concern the ongoing loss of lives. arson and looting of properties in some parts of Gauteng Province of South Africa,” he said.

“Some of the victims of the anarchy are Nigerians and other Africans. The High Commission and the Consulate In Pretoria and Johannesburg are compiling the list of all the Nigerian victims of the current anarchy for engagement with the South African government and other stakeholders for succor.

“In this regard, all Nigerian victims of the current attacks are requested to come forward to report their situation to the High Commission and the Consulate.

“The two Missions will continue to be home to all Nigerians in this trying times and In the future. Since the outbreak of the attacks last week. the two Missions have remained open and continued to render normal services to Nigerians and other customers without hindrance.

“We appeal to all Nigerians to remain calm and avoid any precipitate action that may jeopardise the ardours task of engaging the South African government through diplomatic channels to bring the situation under control and to restore normalcy.

READ: Xenophobic Attacks: 70 suspects arrested, says SA High Commissioner

He noted that, “The two Missions are currently working alongside all relevant authorities in South Africa Including the police to address the unfortunate situation.

“Furthermore, concerted efforts are ongoing for the upcoming State Visit to South Africa by President Muhammadu Buhari which will substantially address at Summit level. all the existing concerns in the consular relations between the two countries.

“Xenophobic attacks are unacceptable anywhere around the world and especially in a country that has Africa In Its official name; whose national anthem Is God Bless Africa; whose ruling party Is the African National Congress and whose national events starts with the African Union anthem.

“All hands must be on deck to find amicable and mutually acceptable ways to arrest the unfortunate situation in South Africa and put an end to the violence against foreign nationals,” he said.