Save Us From Xenophobic Attacks --Nigerians In South Africa Tell FG

Following recent reports of attacks on non-indigenes residing in South
Africa, especially Nigerians, the Nigerian Youths Congress (NYC) has
called on the South African authorities to immediately halt the
ongoing xenophobic attacks in their territories or have their
nationals in Nigeria subjected to similar treatment.

The warning by NYC is in response to disheartening videos making the
rounds which showed South African locals attacking and burning
foreigners (Nigerians inclusive) alive, and in some instances, looting
their shops.

Reacting to the incident, the president, NYC, Comrade Yakubu Shendam,
who expressed dismay at the heinous act, regretted that South African
authorities are silent on such callous acts perpetrated against a
people who have contributed largely to their economic growth.

He said it was ingratitude and sheer act of wickedness for any South
African national to contemplate harming foreigners, particularly
Nigerians who stood behind them during their trying moments.

He said, "South African citizens are scattered around Nigeria
excelling in various businesses and are being protected by the
government. In telecommunications alone, what South Africans make from
Nigeria is unimaginable.

"If the Nigerian government and people can provide the enabling
environment for South Africans to thrive and in turn, her citizens are
being maimed and killed for being foreigners, Nigerian youths may be
compelled to mete out similar treatment to South Africans operating in
the country".

Commenting on the bilateral relations between the two countries, the
youth leader said the sin against human right to life perpetrated
against Nigerians devastatingly betrayed the love Nigeria demonstrated
in her efforts towards ending the apartheid regime.

"Nigerian youths cannot continue to sit and watch South Africans
thrive in their various endeavours while Nigerians who are out there
in South Africa pursuing legitimate businesses are being hunted down
everyday", he stated.

The IYC president said henceforth, any report of xenophobia or any
maltreatment further meted out to Nigerians in South Africa will be
retaliated against their nationals operating in Nigeria. "Enough is
enough; if South African government cannot call its youths to order,
we will be left with no alternative but to prove to them that they do
not have monopoly of violence," he added.
--Leadership