The recent raging xenophobic attacks in South Africa has generated more heat and reactions from all works of life.

Many condemns this act as it is against humanity.

We will give you all you need to know concerning this Menace.

Tension tightens as fresh protests rock South Africa, Nigerians, others asked to leave

Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa were on Sunday asked to leave immediately.

Residents of hostels in eastern Johannesburg marched along Jules Street in the area, demanding that “foreigners must go back to where they came from”.

Sowetan Live reports that the protesters, were heading to Jules Park where former IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi is expected to address them.

However, the leadership of hostel dwellers in Johannesburg has asked the government to engage the citizens about finding solutions to the clashes with foreign nationals.

Siphiwe Mhlongo, chairman of hostel headmen (izinduna) in Gauteng, said; “We are not happy with how the government has tried to resolve the problems that the country is facing.

“The government must come speak to the people and explain what it is going to do with the foreign nationals who are here illegally,” Mhlongo said.

Xenophobia: South Africa speaks on ‘cutting’ bilateral ties with Nigeria

The South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Bobby Moroe, on Sunday said his country will not cut bilateral ties with Nigeria.

He said his country remained committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria.

Moroe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa would remain strong and on course.

The envoy said President Muhammadu Buhari and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, were expected to meet in October to discuss modalities to address attacks on Nigerians living in that country.

Meanwhile, in a statement by Khusela Diko, spokesperson to the President, the South African Government said President Buhari’s state visit would reinforce the bond between both countries.

Diko stated that the visit, next month, would further strengthen their bond and jointly develop responses to challenges affecting people and businesses in South Africa and Nigeria.

According to him, President Cyril Ramaphosa held discussions, on Sept. 6, with Nigeria’s Special Envoy, Amb. Ahmed Abubakar, on violence in South Africa and developments in Nigeria around South African businesses.

“The visit to Pretoria by the Special Envoy followed a recent meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Buhari in Yokohama, Japan, on sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development.

“In their discussion, the Special Envoy conveyed President Buhari’s concern at recent events in South Africa, in context of the strong and cordial relations that characterise the interaction between the two countries.

“President Buhari conveyed his commitment to the values of prosperity and the advancement of Africa that are shared by South Africa and Nigeria.

“Nigeria stands ready to assist South Africa in establishing the root causes of and developing sustainable solutions to the challenges concerned.

“President Buhari has undertaken that where challenges emerge in Nigeria, the Nigerian government will act against lawlessness and the targeting of South African assets in Nigeria,” Diko stated.

According to him, President Ramaphosa also reaffirmed South Africa-Nigeria relations to be firm.

Diko added that both partners remained resolute in a shared commitment to building Africa at peace with itself and others.

Xenophobia: South Africa breaks silence on alleged bomb blast at its Nigerian embassy

The South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Bobby Moroe, on Saturday, confirmed there was no damage or bombing of any of the country’s mission property in Nigeria.

Moroe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that both South African missions located in Abuja and Lagos were intact.

The confirmation is sequel to reports being circulated on social media of a bomb explosion at the High Commission in Abuja.

Moroe said: “Both South African missions in Nigeria remain intact; all our staff members are safe and no reports of intimidation have been brought to our attention.

“The careless use of social media is a ploy to create tension and panic among our peoples of South Africa and Nigeria.

“We condemn in strongest terms such acts of deception, as they seek to destroy the very essence of our relations with Nigeria and further fuel tension and confusion within society.

“We encourage social media users to be responsible, sensitive and always verify the authenticity of sensitive information before it can be circulated.”

Earlier, the Federal Government of Nigeria had debunked reports being circulated on social media of a bomb explosion at the South African High Commission.

In a statement, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the report “is fake news orchestrated by desperate opposition to cause panic and chaos among the populace”.

Mohammed observed the video of the purported bomb explosion was that of a bomb explosion at Emab Plaza, near Banex, Abuja, which occurred on June 25, 2014.

“A pattern is emerging of the antics of the desperate opposition to latch on to the use of fake news and disinformation as a strategy to trigger chaos in the country,” he said.

Xenophobia: ActionAid makes demands from African govts, AU

ActionAid Nigeria, has called on African governments and the African Union to speak with one voice and take the necessary steps towards finding a lasting solution to xenophobia on the continent.

The organisation made the call in a statement by its communications coordinator, Nihinlola Ayanda, in Abuja on Saturday.

The statement quoted its country director Ene Obi as saying that the attacks, which had caused rage, loss of lives, and loss of livelihoods on the African Continent were uncalled for.

She blamed the menace on unemployment, poverty, widening gap of inequality, little investment in human capital development and lack of investment in the youths across the continent.

“As an anti-poverty organisation, we are concerned about the situation and how it undermines Africa’s socio economic and political integration which is needed to fight poverty on the continent.

“For instance, the Africa Free Trade Agreement that envisages an African market without borders, provides for exchange of technology, sustainable development models among others, may not yield the desired result.

“Again, these reprisals, if not curtailed quickly, will undermine efforts at building an integrated economic power that is able to compete and negotiate with regional blocs such as the European Union.”

Obi added that the fight against poverty in Africa required a united policy front between African governments and a strong relationship between and within the people on the continent.

She therefore urged all African governments and the African Union to develop and build the mutual trust among its member countries so as to move the continent forward.

The statement also condemned the fake video that led to reprisal attacks in Nigeria, and urged journalists to play a strategic role towards countering fake news before things degenerate.

Nigerian govt speaks on alleged bomb explosion at South African embassy

The Nigerian Government has debunked the report of a bomb explosion at the South African High Commission in Abuja on Saturday.

It said the fake news was orchestrated by “desperate opposition” to cause panic and chaos among the populace.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the video of the purported bomb explosion, which is being circulated on the social media, is that of the bomb explosion at Emab Plaza, near Banex, in Abuja on June 25, 2014.

The Minister said it is now apparent that the desperate opposition has decided to use fake news and disinformation as handy tools in their avowed determination to make Nigeria ungovernable, having lost woefully at the polls.

”A pattern is emerging of the antics of the desperate opposition to latch on to the use of fake news and disinformation as a strategy to trigger chaos in the country. On Friday (6 Sept 2019), they doctored and circulated the video of my appearance on Channels Television in January 2015 (when I was the spokesman of the APC) to make it look like I was begging Nigerians to forgive President Buhari for not
having a school certificate.

“Worse still, they posted the video afresh, giving the impression it happened last Thursday and that I acted in my capacity as Minister of Information and Culture.

”Unfortunately for them, this doctored video came out on the same day a report emerged that the PDP had sent lawyers and party agents to the University of Cambridge to confirm the authenticity of the President’s West African school certificate, only to be stunned to discover that not only did the President write the examination, he also passed.

”One would have expected a party that trumpets its belief in the rule of law, a party that challenged the result of the last presidential election in court, to wait patiently for the impending judgement on the issue instead of engaging in underhand tactics and resorting to self help,” he said.

Mohammed appealed to Nigerians to be very discerning at this time, and to check the veracity of any information they receive.

”This is just the beginning. Nigerians should expect an explosion of fake news and disinformation in the days and weeks ahead. This is because the desperation of this opposition is alarming. But their strategy will fail, just like every other dubious strategy that they have been employing in their desperate bid to grab power,” he said.

The Minister warned those behind the orchestrated fake news and disinformation campaign to stop forthwith or be made to face the music.

Xenophobia: Jonathan reacts to tension between South Africans, Nigerians

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the xenophobic attacks going on across Africa.

Jonathan spoke during a keynote address he presented on Thursday at the ongoing International Peace Summit in Sao Tome and Principe.

He urged African leaders to protect lives and property on the continent.

Jonathan said: “To make meaningful progress, Africans must be encouraged to treat one another as brothers and sisters, in love and unity.

“Relations within and between nations should never be allowed to degenerate to a level where citizens will resort to self-help by visiting violence on fellow Africans and their legitimate business interests.

“Growth and development can only be cultivated and sustained when leaders ensure that the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as migrants, are respected and protected.”

The conference has in attendance serving and former African leaders including Sao Tome President Evaristo Carvalho, Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus, former President of Niger Mahamane Ousmane and former President of Guinea Bissau, Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo.

Jonathan, Chairman of the African wing of the newly inaugurated International Summit Council for Peace, ISCP, added: “For peace to thrive, we must first build hope in the lives of the people because hope inspires love, love promotes peace, peace engenders justice while justice guarantees freedom and trust.

“These universal virtues are central to our quest for a peaceful and prosperous continent.

“I believe that the theme, ‘Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa Centered on Universal Values: Interdependence, mutual prosperity, and Universal Values’, speaks directly to the need for a concerted effort towards healing a troubled world.

“I will continue to state that the dream of the ISCP is consistent with my ideals and that of my Foundation. The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, GJF, is committed to the principles that strengthen democracy, good governance, peace, and stability while promoting prosperity through youth empowerment in Africa.

“Building peace is a task for every one of us, irrespective of the position one occupies; whether as a leader or a follower, peace is an ideal which we must deliberately work for. Peace is not rained from heaven, it is a seed we plant and nurture for it to grow and bear fruits in our families, countries and the world at large.

“Peace, justice and democracy are some of the greatest ideas of our world. It is the tripod upon which sustainable development stands. Peace and development are mutually linked; none can survive in the absence of the other.”

Xenophobia: MTN reacts, says ”we all have right to live, do business anywhere”

Telecommunication giant, MTN has broken silence on xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

There had been a series of reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa under the guise of xenophobia. The latest one was Sunday’s attack where some Nigerians were attacked while their property were looted.

The network provider in a statement signed by its CEO, Ferdi Moolman and made available on its verified Twitter page called for peaceful living among Africans.

The statement read: “MTN Nigeria strongly condemns hate, prejudice, and xenophobia and reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of all violence

“We seek to connect people, bring people together and provide a platform for everyone’s voice to be heard. we are against all forms of bigotry and discrimination; they should have no place in society

“Everyone has the right to a world where their rights and freedom are respected- the right to live and earn a living, freely, safely and protected by law.”

Xenophobia: Belief that Shoprite, MTN, DSTV, others are owned by South Africans erroneous – Saraki

Bukola Saraki, the immediate past Senate President, on Wednesday cautioned Nigerians against reprisal attacks on business ventures erroneously believed to be owned by South African in the country.

A video had surfaced online of South Africans attacking some Nigerians and foreigners in their country.

Confirming the incident, the President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo said the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals. But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest.

“Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses,’’ he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Against the backdrop of the xenophobic attack in South Africa, some aggrieved Nigerians had embarked on reprisal attacks on businesses owned by South Africans in the country.

The aggrieved youths attack some outlets of Shoprite and MTN offices in some states.

However, Saraki described the reprisal attack as “disheartening and disturbing.”

In a series of tweets on his verified Twitter handle, Saraki wrote: “Videos of Nigerians engaging in reprisal attacks in Nigeria against businesses believed, in many cases erroneously, to be owned by South Africans are disheartening and disturbing. ”

Xenophobia: ‘It’s time to show them who Nigerians are’ – Genevieve Nnaji

Xenophobia: I will never visit South Africa – Burna Boy warns Nigerians, attacks AKA, MI Abaga

Xenophobia: ‘Buhari is indecisive’ – Alibaba speaks on killings of Nigerians in South Africa

Xenophobia: ‘MTN, DSTV, Shoprite should be closed’ – Orji Kalu calls for stiffer measures against South Africa

Orji Kalu, Chief Whip of the Senate, has condemned the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, describing it as ill conceived, disheartening and wicked.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Kunle Oyekunle of Orji Kalu Media Office, the former governor of Abia questioned the essence of the renewed attacks on Nigerians.

“The gruesome killings, looting, arson of property belonging to Nigerians and attack of Nigerian Embassy in South Africa is ill-conceived, disheartening and wicked.

“How can any sensible person attack and burn a fellow human being just because he or she has a feeling to do so?

“Those mindless criminals who attacked and prevented law abiding Nigerians to freely conduct their businesses must be made to pay for their crimes.

“Arresting them is not enough,’’ he stressed.

While emphasising that South Africans lived and carried out their businesses peacefully in Nigeria, Kalu said there would be no reason to allow them operate further if South African government failed to protect the lives of Nigerians.

“If the South African government fails to do more to protect the lives of Nigerians, there should be no reason to allow them to operate freely in Nigeria.

“All their enterprises deserve to be closed down including MTN, DSTV, Shoprite among others.

“In the spirit of brotherhood, we have supported them. Our doors have always been open, but it’s time to retaliate by shutting our doors,” he said

The Senate Chief Whip, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for dispatching a special envoy to the South African government.

He urged the Federal Government to hasten the intervention process and institute stiffer measures against South Africa over the endless xenophobic attacks.

Meanwhile, Mr Adetola Olubajo, President, Nigeria Union South Africa, said on Monday that the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg, when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals.

“But the police later dispersed the mob and made some arrests.

“Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals, suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg, looted and burnt shops and businesses with Nigerians being the most victims.

According to witnesses living on Jules Street, the Zulu hostel dwellers were very organised and well-coordinated in looting and burning of shops and businesses suspected to be owned by foreign nationals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that over 70 shops and businesses were destroyed, looted and burnt on Monday night in Malvern area of Johannesburg.

Xenophobic attacks: Pyrates Confraternity blows hot over killings of Nigerians in South Africa

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), has ordered Federal Government of Nigeria to take urgent steps to halt the killings of Nigerians in South Africa following Monday’s xenophobic attack against Nigerians living in the former apartheid enclave.

NAS, which is known as Pyrates Confraternity, lamented that the latest xenophobic attack on innocent Nigerians in South Africa was one too many.

The association called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately address the incessant killings of Nigerians in South Africa through ‘diplomatic response’.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAS Capn, Mr Kwaghbunde Gbahabo (Esq), and made available in Calabar on Tuesday, the association called on the Federal Government to demand that the government of South Africa should prosecute those responsible for these senseless attacks.

It also demanded for the prosecution of the South African government officials who have openly supported and justified the attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners living in the country.

NAS said the leadership of the country could not afford to fold its arms while fellow African citizens killed and maimed in South Africa noting that it was not only South Africa that Nigerians reside and work abroad.

NAS said xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa had assumed a worrisome dimension, “In recent times, xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa have assumed an alarming proportion.

“In fact, there is no period in the last six months that Nigerians working in South Africa have not been attacked.

“The killing of Nigerians and looting of their businesses in South Africa have gone without any meaningful response from the South African Government.

“NAS is pained to observe that the South African government and her security agencies have stood by as if they are helpless to arrest the inhumanity to Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.

“This unspoken tacit support by for the South African government for the killing and maiming of foreign nationals resident in South African must be immediately challenged by the Federal Government of Nigeria by a drastic diplomatic response,” the group stated.

Xenophobia attacks: Zambia cancels friendly match with South Africa

Zambia’s Football Association has cancelled its friendly match against South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks.

The friendly match between Chipolopolo (of Zambia) and Bafana Bafana (of South Africa) was scheduled for Saturday in Zambia.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday evening by the Football Association of Zambia announced.

The statement read: “The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regrets to inform members of the public that the international friendly match between Zambia and South Africa that was scheduled for National Heroes Stadium on Saturday, 7 September 2019 has been called off in view of the prevailing security concerns in South Africa.

“FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala has relayed the message to the South African Football Association (SAFA) about the decision.”

Video: Hoodlums loot PEP store in Surulere, Lagos

Hoodlum has invaded PEP Stores in Surulere and cart away many Valuables CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

No Nigerian Died in South Africa – Nigeria Mission

Nigerian Mission in South Africa says no Nigerian died but over 50 vehicles and other property worth millions of dollars owned by Nigerians were vandalised, burnt or stolen, in fresh attacks.

The Nigeria Consul General in Johannesburg, Mr Godwin Adama, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone conversation from Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

Adama was reacting to the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in Pretoria and Johannesburg, South Africa on Aug 28 and Sept 1.

The crisis resulted to looting and burning of businesses and property belonging to foreigners and death of five people.

According to him, the situation has been tense as the attacks have been well coordinated in the various areas such as Jules Street, Jappestown, Marven, Alexandra and Turffontein.

“Several foreign owned shops were targeted but it affected Nigerians greatly; over 50 vehicles in car marts owned by Nigerians were vandalized, burnt or stolen, although few were reportedly recovered.

“As at today, the situation is calm, the only area there have been looting are the traders shops at a place called Alexandra in South Africa, where shops were looted overnight.

“This is to show you that it is not just Nigerians they have been looting, mostly foreigners that have shops and businesses in South Africa.

“These include Indians, Chinese and Pakistanis; where Indians have major malls have been locked, maybe they will open today,” he added.

He, however, said that no Nigerian was killed and that the five people that were killed died as a result of a building that was gutted by fire.

He said that most criminals seized the opportunity of the fire outbreak that occurred to loot property belonging to foreigners and as such some people were affected.

“No Nigerian has been killed, and the only thing that the criminals attacked were shops, because they may know that such shops belong to foreign nationals.

“There is a place where only two shops belonged to Nigerians out of the nine that were attacked, but there are other places where there are more Nigerian shops in Marvel or Jules Street.

“These are areas Nigerians love a lot, because we have large number of Nigerians there. So, some of the shops were burnt and even looted and they lost a lot within these areas.

“There was not attack against anybody, there was only attack on property and those property in business areas,” he said.

He said that the African National Congress (ANC) had condemned the attacks, as well as the Minister of Police Affairs, Cele Bheki, dissociating the party and government from the actions.

“They all saw the whole development as criminally related.

“The missions have also condemned it in local media, as well as in host government space and called for the protection of foreigners, including Nigerians.

“We have equally reported the development to our government at home, who are currently taking measures to respond in the interest of our bilateral relations,” Adama said.

Xenophobia: Nigerian govt reacts to attack on Shoprite, MTN, others

The Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians not to attack the South African businesses operating in Nigeria in retaliation for the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that targeting South African businesses in Nigeria, like Shoprite and MTN, for attack over Xenophobia would hurt Nigerians more.

He said attacking South African companies in Nigeria was, for Nigerians, ‘a classic case of cutting off your nose to spite your face”.

According to the minister, the investors in such South African companies in Nigeria, especially MTN and Shoprite, are Nigerians.

He said the majority of the workers in the South African companies operating in Nigeria are also Nigerians.

“This means that, Nigerian workers will be hardest hit if such companies are forced to shut down for fear of attacks,” he said

Mohammed, described as “deeply disturbing” the reports that some Nigerians, angered by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, had started attacking South African companies in Nigeria.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was already taking decisive measures to put an end to the persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

”President Muhammadu Buhari has dispatched a Special Envoy to convey
to his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.

”Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, acting on the instruction of Mr President, has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to get a brief on the situation.

“Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and secure assurance of the safety of their lives and property,” the Minister
said.

Xenophobia: Nigerians invade Shoprites outlet in Lagos, sing war songs

Some angry Nigerians on Tuesday invaded an outlet of Shoprite along Lekki-Epe expressway in Lagos State.

The youths, who were reacting to the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians residing in South Africa were chanting violent songs during the attack.

Men of the Nigeria Police Force, however, prevented the youths from breaking into the mall of South Africa-owned Shoprite.

The President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo who confirmed the development to NAN said the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals. But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest.

“Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses,’’ he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Xenophobia: Lawan explodes over attack on Nigerians in South Africa

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, has expressed concern over the worsening xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, in which Nigerians have been major victims.

A statement he personally signed on Tuesday said Nigeria has had enough of its citizens being targets of those attacks and will no longer tolerate hate crimes in any form against its citizens who are doing legitimate businesses in that country.

“Xenophobic violence is most condemnable anywhere; more so in South Africa, a country whose citizens benefitted from the unwavered support and solidarity of Africans and freedom lovers across the world in their historic struggle against apartheid”, he said.

“More disturbing, however, is that these attacks indicate the neglect of educating the younger generations on the sacrifices that Africans proudly made towards expunging the scourges of colonialism and apartheid from their continent.

“The enormous contributions of Nigeria to this historic struggle is underscored by its recognition as a frontline state in the prolonged confrontation against the powerful racist regime that had held generations of Southern Africans in bondage and subhuman conditions.

“This recognition is in spite of the fact that Nigeria does not share geographical borders with the subregion and was far removed from the direct consequences of apartheid.

“The liberation of South Africa was rightly celebrated across the continent and the Black world as the final emancipation of Africans from colonialism and apartheid.

“It is therefore, an unacceptable irony that a section of South Africans would so soon, after now, choose other Africans in their country as the targets of mindless violent attacks over frustrations for which the innocent victims have no control.

“It would be recalled that I had on July 15, this year, met with the South African High Commissioner, Bobby Moroe, in Abuja over the same issue.”

“At the meeting, I had said: ‘The South African Government must as a matter of urgency do whatever it takes to protect the lives and property of Nigerians living there, just as the Nigerian Government remain committed to the safety of South Africans residing here and their investments’.

“I believe we have faced enough, we will no longer take it anymore. The South African parliament must act fast to put a stop to this menace.

“I acknowledge the efforts the Federal Government is making to register the indignation of Nigerians on the cruel treatment of their compatriots in South Africa and to force an end to it.

“As part of the efforts on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has also dispatched a special envoy to meet with the South African authorities, in addition to scheduling a presidential visit to South Africa for discussions with the government of that country on how to end the attacks and redress the current situation.

“Every step necessary must be taken in protecting law-abiding foreigners, including Nigerians, and their businesses from hate crimes in South Africa.

“It is noteworthy that South Africans and their businesses are prospering from the clement environment that Nigeria offers to all without discrimination. We demand no less from them.”

The statement added that the Senate was closely observing the situation and urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to accept nothing but the immediate cessation of hostility to Nigerians living in South Africa.

South African President, Ramaphosa reacts to xenophobic attack on Nigerians

Xenophobia: Nigerians allegedly deploy weapons to attack South Africans, reported call on Boko Haram for help [VIDEO]

Nigerians in South Africa have deployed machetes to fight back the xenophobic attackers.

In a viral video on Tuesday afternoon, some Nigerians were seen distributing machetes from the boot of a car.

Meanwhile, as the situation degenerates between foreign nationals and locals in most parts of Gauteng, Nigerians have launched a revolt against what is being termed xenophobic attacks.

They are calling on the infamous terrorist group, Boko Haram, to “unleash revenge on South Africa,” the South African reports.

In some parts of Johannesburg, looters have been targeting foreign-owned shops since Monday.

The latest information released by the police has it that at least 100 people have been placed under arrest for their alleged participation in the looting of foreign-owned shops we saw between Sunday and Monday.

“They were arrested on a variety of crimes including malicious damage to property, attempted murder, theft, housebreaking,” police spokesperson, Vishnu Naidoo, revealed in a statement.

He further confirmed that, as things stand, two people died, including a woman, as a result of the violence that broke out in the city.

The violence moved to the Alexandra township on Tuesday morning.

Reports earlier that South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa, on Tuesday, condemned the recent attack on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier on Tuesday expressed “deep concern” over the attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019. Following the report of the attack, Buhari also dispatched a special envoy to South Africa to his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

VIdeo: https://www.instagram.com/p/B183Tb1HRnV/?igshid=eema2c8rm55t

Xenophobia attack mere sporadic act of violence – South Africa high commissioner tells Nigerian govt

South African government has denied reports Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the country.

The country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Monroe denied report that its citizens are carrying out Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

He was reacting to the looting and burning of businesses and property belonging to foreigners in South Africa which began on Sunday.

Monroe rather described the attacks as a ‘sporadic act of violence’

He made this known after his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking at a media briefing after the meeting with Onyeama, Monroe said the recent attacks were not ”xenophobic” in nature but are rather mere ‘sporadic acts of violence’.

According to Monroe,” businesses belonging to other South Africans were also affected in the violence that erupted yesterday Monday, September 2nd.

“The recent attacks were not xenophobic in nature but are rather mere ‘sporadic acts of violence.”

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed “deep concern,” over the attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa

A statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said Buhari has despatched special envoy to his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019

If You want war we will give you war – Nigerians In South Africa Retaliates

The Xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa is gradually degenerating into an all out war as Nigerians in Johannesburg have began retaliatory attacks this morning.

In this video going viral on social media, a Nigrian man with an Igbo accent is heard saying,  ‘If you want war, we’ll give you war. Who be South Africans sef’ and he’s seen weilding a metal rod and other weapons alongside other Nigerians.

Click here to watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7tKbZ0nFmw

Angry Nigerians Take Down MTN Office In Apapa

Nigerians at home have started making a counter attack on South African businesses and companies in Nigeria.

Some angry Nigerian youths have burnt down MTN office in Apapa Lagos as retaliation to Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Social media is currently buzzing with several harrowing stories of the heartbreaking experience that Nigerians are enduring due to recent xenophobic attack.

As the horrific xenophobic attack unravels, Nigerians in South Africa have shared videos of how their properties and houses have been vandalized.

In revenge of the heinous chaos and conflict that is ongoing, Nigerians have reportedly stormed MTN office in Apapa, Lagos to set it on fire.

 Buhari reacts to xenophobic attack on Nigerians, reveals next step

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday expressed “deep concern,” over the attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019.

Following reports of the attack, Buhari despatched special envoy to his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This was contained in a statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The terse statement reads: “Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property.

“President Buhari has also despatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.

The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019.

Xenophobia is evil: Apostle Suleman blows hot over attacks on Nigerians, tells Celebrities what to do

Apostle Johnson Suleman, General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries International has joined Nigerians to condemn the Xenophobic attacks happening in South Africa.

Suleman in a post on Tuesday described Xenophobia as evil, adding that Nigeria supported South African when they needed help the most hence should treat Nigerians with love.

According to him, the killings makes no sense because, “Mandela stayed in Enugu for a while, Nigerians supported ANC leadership and invested cash into South African government.”

The outspoken cleric further called on Nigerians celebrities to speak up and condemn the attacks on social media while they offer prayers to God to intervene in the matter.

In a series of post on his Twitter page, Apostle Suleman wrote: “It makes no sense to see fellow Africans killing themselves. Xenophobia is evil. Africans are one big happy family.

It’s wicked to take the life of your fellow African brother or call him a stranger in an African country. Lord put an end to this evil act in Jesus name.

“No nation supported south African struggle like Nigeria. Mandela stayed in Enugu for a while, we supported ANC leadership, we invested cash into their government years ago..we don’t deserve this, arrest foreigners who are into crime, not innocent businessmen.it’s totally condemnable.

“We can’t keep quiet why hardworking Nigerians in the diaspora are been killed.

Where are those celebrities who are always standing for unconfirmed stories, these are confirmed killings, speak up.

“While we pray for God to intervene, all Nigerians at home and abroad, condemn this.

Xenophobia: APC blasts South Africa over attacks on Nigerians

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent South African xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, particularly on Nigerians, their property and businesses.

Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Tuesday, said the party is deeply saddened by the unwarranted attacks.

APC said Nigeria deserves better from South Africa, noting that it was too early for South Africans to forget their country’s history.

“Many of the key players in the struggle against apartheid are still alive and active in the country’s national affairs. We therefore cannot understand why there seems to be a conspiracy of silence on their part.

“The barbaric attack on citizens of other countries points to a failure of leadership. South African leaders cannot exonerate themselves from this cowardly act.

We call on the South African ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) to urgently step in. This is completely at variance with what ANC stood for. The ANC government can no longer pretend about this obvious contradiction.

“The violence being meted to Nigerians under ANC calls to question the very essence of the struggle against apartheid in which Nigeria was a frontline ally of South Africa. How can those who supported you and made huge sacrifices for your freedom become fair games to be murdered in cold blood?.

Perhaps there is a disconnect between the younger and older generations of South Africa. The older generation cannot sit back while the uninformed youths and some South African public officials in their quest for inordinate populism destroy what we collectively achieved over several decades of sacrifice and brotherliness.

Today, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians. This is one of the first steps in this government’s proactive response to this unfortunate incident.

“We assure Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would continue to take decisive measures. The safety of Nigerians – home and abroad – is non-negotiable to the APC administration.”

Xenophobia: ‘You are fighting wrong war ’ – Wizkid breaks silence on killings of Nigerians in South Africa

Popular Nigerian singer, Wizkid has joined Nigerians to condemn the ongoing Xenophobic attacks on several Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

reports that viral videos on Monday showed widespread attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.

The new wave of attacks saw the killing of Nigerians and burning of shops and businesses owned by Africans.

The President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo who confirmed the development to NAN said on Monday that the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

The attacks and killings have since stirred reactions from well-meaning Nigerians calling on government to take drastic measures against the South African government.

Wizkid, reacting, expressed sadness over the videos showing Nigerians been killed.

He urged Africans to treat each other as one, adding that, ‘ We are all humans before anything else.’

The ‘Fever’ crooner stressed that South Africans are fighting the wrong war.

On his Twitter page, Wizkid wrote:” Disheartening to watch these videos from my home! You’re fighting the wrong war , fighting the wrong people.

“How do we walk around hating each other? Africa is one! We’re all the same people! Please don’t lose yourself! #SayNoToXenophobia. One Love

“Please educate yourselves, educate the kids , educate the youth!

“We’re all humans before anything else! “Humans” and most importantly “Africans”!

Xenophobic attacks: What Buhari, South African President, Ramaphosa must do – Saraki

Bukola Saraki, the immediate past Senate President, on Tuesday called on President Muhammadu Buhari and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

Saraki said taking decisive action by Buhari and Ramaphosa would send a strong message to those behind the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

He said this while condemning the renewed spate of attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.

We reported that the President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo who confirmed the development to NAN, said the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals. But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest.

Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses,’’ he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Reacting to the development, Saraki, in a tweet wrote: “I am saddened by the unfortunate events in South Africa. Nigerians should be allowed to carry out legitimate businesses without fear for their lives.

“I encourage @NigeriaGov and @CyrilRamaphosa to take decisive actions that will send a strong message. All Nigerian lives matter.”

Xenophobia: Omotola, Banky W, other celebrities condemn attacks on foreigners in South Africa

Popular Nigerian celebrities, including Omotola Jalade, Banky W, Funke Akindele, Peter Okoye among others, have condemned the recurrent attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

reports that viral videos on Monday showed widespread attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.

The new wave of attacks saw the killing of Nigerians and burning of shops and businesses owned by Africans.

The President of the Nigeria Union in South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo who confirmed the development to NAN said on Monday that the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

The attacks and killings have since stirred reactions from Nigerian celebrities calling on the government to take drastic measures against the South African government.

Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade Wrote:

“Hmmm… I have had to think very deeply and try to calm myself down to even get to writing this. I am shaking and still can’t collate all my thoughts …This is Really Sad. It’s beyond. Xenophobia. It’s deep. What is the Value of a Nigerian life! Nigeria Rise up how you have fallen?”

Similarly, Funke Akindele wrote:

This is so sad. Why? Must violence be the solution to every problem? I woke up to horrific pictures and videos of our countrymen being attacked and killed. This has to stop o!!!

“We all are out there hustling to put food on our tables! Why the killings. I appeal to the Nigerian government to see to the immediate end of this. All lives matter! #saynotoxenophobia .”

Also, Peter Okoye of the Psquare reacted saying:

My dear South Africans. Karma never loses address! Karma has no deadline! Karma is a bitch but I love her! Revenge will never solve anything but trust me, Karma will. It’s Karma season. Dear Karma I have a list of people you missed. Say no to Xenophobia.”

Here are comments from other Nigerian celebrities,

Ebuka Obi Uchendu, popular Nigerian TV host reacted saying, “Why would politicians choose to face the rightful anger (from) millions of poor and hopeless South Africans when they can revert to anti-immigrant rhetoric and shift blame to those who have no voice

Banky W, Popular Nigerian Musician also gave his views on the killings saying, “This is not the SA that Mandela fought and sacrificed for. This is not the SA that a lot of us have come to know and love. I just watched a video of a man burnt alive in front of a crowd. It’s sick and heartbreaking. “Hell must be empty because all the demons are here”.