Panic has gripped Nigerians in South Africa’s Eastern Cape following xenophobic attacks linked to the controversial installation of a Nigerian as Igwe Ndigbo.
Nigerians woke up to chaos on Monday morning as South Africans took to the streets of Albany and Buffalo under KuGombo, popularly known as East London, to protest against the coronation of a Nigerian Igbo chief, Solomon Eziko, which took place early March.
The installation was greeted with outrage from South Africans, who cited clashes of traditional values and disrespect to the sovereignty of their country.
About 26 Nigerians were injured and hospitalised, while property, including cars and shops worth millions of rands (billions of naira) were destroyed.
Viral videos showed Nigerians being humiliated and battered by South African people and security operatives, who demanded their exit from the country.
In one of the videos, South African MKP Labour and Civic Organisation officials asked a Nigerian man to close his tent, pack his wares and leave their country.
Another video revealed how South Africans trooped out in their numbers to force Nigerians to close businesses and leave their country.
