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Nigerians Lose 84mln Naira To South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks

The Nigerian Union in South Africa says more than 4.6 million Rand, about 84 million Naira, has been lost by Nigerians to xenophobic attacks, as … Continue reading Nigerians Lose 84mln Naira To South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks


South Africa xenophobic attacksThe Nigerian Union in South Africa says more than 4.6 million Rand, about 84 million Naira, has been lost by Nigerians to xenophobic attacks, as against 1.2 million Rand (21 million Naira), initially estimated.

According to Mr Anyene, the union had compiled the losses and given the list to Nigeria’s Consul-General in South Africa.

He said the Nigerian victims of the attacks needed urgent assistance to re-settle, as many of them had lost their means of livelihood.

This is coming just as South Africa is struggling to find a permanent solution to the xenophobia exhibited by its citizens.

Anti-immigrant protest started on March 20 after an influential Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, spoke out against foreign workers.

“Let us pop our head lice,” he said. “We must remove ticks and place them outside in the sun. We ask foreign nationals to pack their belongings and be sent back.”

Seven people have been killed in the attacks.

The Zulu King said his statement was taken out of context.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro, had said the Nigerian government delegation in South Africa had taken record of loses that Nigerians may had incurred as a result of the xenophobic attacks.

He said the government would do its best to ensure that they would be adequately compensated.

Businesses owned by Nigerians have been torched and looted by locals in the wake of the attacks on foreigners.

On Saturday, Nigeria recalled its High Commissioner to South Africa for discussions that would focus on the xenophobic attacks and needed assistance to Nigerians.

Acting High Commissioner, Martin Cobham and Deputy High Commissioner, Uche Ajulu-Okeke, had been asked to return to Nigeria for consultations, a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

“The invitation is in connection with the on-going xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants,” the statement said.