In light of growing xenophobic sentiments, the National Association of Nigerian Students has urged the Federal Government to act immediately to protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS Vice President for External Affairs Aneke Kenechukwu said that the student body was deeply concerned about what it called a “disturbing pattern of hostility and targeted attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other Africans.”
The group issued a warning, stating that the situation seriously jeopardizes lives and threatens the values of African collaboration and togetherness.
“Nigerian students in South Africa are currently living in fear and uncertainty.”
The statement said, “As young ambassadors and future leaders of our nation, their protection must be treated as a national emergency.”
NANS urged the FG to engage South African authorities in order to obtain strong guarantees for the safety of individuals, particularly students, and to respond quickly diplomatically.
Additionally, the association called for the use of diplomatic channels to keep a careful eye on events and guarantee the prosecution of those who commit acts of xenophobic violence.
Additionally, the student body called for the “provision of safe shelters, dedicated emergency hotlines, and financial assistance where necessary” as well as other immediate support measures for impacted students.
Furthermore, NANS suggested that the government create a “coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students willing to return home,” pointing out that doing so would assist stop additional exposure to potentially fatal situations.
The most responsible course of action is still diplomacy, but it needs to be aggressive, assertive, and goal-oriented. The statement went on, “Nigerian lives must not be left to bureaucratic delay.”
In order to guarantee that no Nigerian student is left in danger, the organization further urged cooperation between the government, NANS, Nigerian diplomatic missions, and foreign partners.
“Now is the moment to take action. “Every delay puts innocent lives in danger,” the statement said.
According to reports, xenophobic demonstrations have gotten more intense in some areas of South Africa. In Pretoria and other towns, migrants have reportedly experienced threats, assault, and harassment.
According to some reports, demonstrators have targeted schools in an effort to prevent or expel foreign immigrants’ children from attending classes.
Two Nigerians have already died as a result of the turmoil, raising concerns among the diaspora and rekindling calls for government action.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked foreigners to follow local laws while reiterating his government’s commitment to human rights, while Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa has declared that the issue is under control.
