Abike Dabiri calls for end to violence against Nigerians in South Africa

- The Nigerian government has asked the AU to look into the xenophobic attacks in South Africa

- It warned that there might be dire consequences for the attack on Nigerians

Nigeria has issued serious warning to the South African government that continued killing of its citizens in the country will result in dire consequences if it is not stopped.

A fresh attack was allegedly launched by South Africans on Nigerians living in Pretoria West, South Africa in the early hours of Saturday, February 18.

The president of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on a telephone call that the attacks began at 4.00am.

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Anyene said: “As we speak, five buildings with Nigerian businesses, including a church have been looted and burned by South Africans.

“One of the buildings is a mechanic garage with 28 cars under repairs, with other vital documents, were burned during the attack.

“Also, the pastor of the church was wounded and is in the hospital receiving treatment.”

According to him, the union received information that there will be xenophobic attacks against foreigners on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 and they proceeded to warn Nigerians living in the city.

The Cable reports that Abike Dabiri who is the senior special assistant to the president on foreign affairs and the diaspora released a statement on Monday, February 20 urging Nigerians to be careful and called on the United Nations to look into the xenophobic attacks.

“These attacks should not be allowed to continue because it is a big setback.”

She said there were reports that attacks would be carried on Wednesday and Thursday on Nigerians.

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The special adviser to the president had first met with Lulu Aaron-Mnguni who is South African high commissioner in Nigeria, on the killing of Nigerians in his country.

She had said: “We have lost about 116 Nigerians in the last two years. And in 2016 alone, about 20 were killed. This is unacceptable to the people and government of Nigeria.”

South Africa had promised to investigate these cases.