Panic is spreading among Nigerians in South Africa as fresh xenophobic attacks rock parts of the country, forcing authorities to issue urgent safety warnings.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerians to immediately shut down their businesses and steer clear of trouble as anti-foreigner protests intensify.
The unrest, which has swept across cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal, has seen mobs target foreign-owned shops, loot properties, and attack non-nationals.
Tension escalated further after disturbing videos surfaced online showing a Nigerian trader being confronted and ordered to pack up his goods and leave.
Amid the growing chaos, NiDCOM urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures, warning that more violence could be imminent.
According to the commission, intelligence reports indicate that fresh protests are being planned in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29, raising fears of a wider crackdown on foreign nationals.
The commission advised Nigerians to avoid crowded areas, stay away from protest zones, and closely monitor local media for updates on the security situation.
Nigerian business owners have also been specifically told to close their shops on April 27, South Africa’s Freedom Day, and consider remaining shut through April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often prime targets during such unrest.
NiDCOM said it is supporting the directive of Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, while confirming that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to safeguard Nigerians.
The commission added that Bianca Onoh, minister of state for foreign affairs, is already engaging South African authorities as tensions continue to rise.
With fear mounting and uncertainty growing, Nigerians in South Africa are now being urged to prioritise their safety above all else.
