Paul Yovo, Abuja
April 16, 2015 – The Government of Nigeria has condemned recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other migrant workers of African origin in South Africa, calling on the South African Government to take concrete steps to stop the attacks.
The attack began two week ago, with indigene of South African attacking, and looting properties belonging to Nigerians and other Africans.
So far five people have been killed, while about 2000 people have been displaced. Among those killed was a 14 year old resident of African origin.
But a statement, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the government of Nigeria stands in solidarity with other nations in condemning attacks on Nigerians and African migrant workers in South Africa.
“The Federal Government therefore call on the government of South Africa to live up to its responsibility and take all necessary steps to stop the ongoing xenophobic attacks and put in place policies and structures to prevent a reoccurrence”, the statement added.
The statement also affirmed Nigeria’s abhorrence for violence, noting that no cause could justify taking innocent lives.
Various accounts have been given for xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Some accounts claim that migrant workers are attacked for allegedly creating unemployment, taking up their jobs, increase in crime rate and spread of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome(AIDS) among others.
