By Innocent Odoh
Abuja
As the attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals resident in South Africa worsen, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister (2), Musiliu Obanikoro, yesterday summoned the High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni “to register Nigeria’s protest over the ongoing xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans in South Africa.”
“In the meeting, Ambassador Obanikoro condemned the attacks on foreigners in South Africa, expressing concern on the fate of Nigerians and indeed of other nationals who are migrants in the country,” a statement from his office said.
South Africa needed to take “concrete steps to quell the unrest and bring the culprits involved to book” to act as a deterrent and prevent further violence.”
“He also called on the South African authorities to compensate the victims of these attacks,” the ministry said.
In his reaction, the South African High Commissioner expressed appreciation to the government of Nigeria for the mature manner the crisis had been handled. He also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria and the Consul General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, for their active engagement with the South African authorities on the matter.
The High Commissioner added that sensitisation campaigns would be organised to educate the general public on the need to live together in peace.
