The Nigerian Union in South Africa on Tuesday reported new
xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners in Sternkopf, Namakwa
Municipality, Northern Cape Province of South Africa.
The President of the Union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, told newsmen
in Pretoria, South Africa, that the Northern Cape Province Chapter Chairman of
the Union reported the incident to its National Secretariat.
‘’The National Secretariat of Nigeria Union has received
report of xenophobic attacks from Mr Kennedy Osagie, the Northern Cape Province
chapter chairman of the union. ‘’ The report indicated that South Africans
attacked Nigerians. “ Two cars belonging to Nigerians have been reportedly
burnt and they have been going from house to house looting and destroying their
properties,’’ he said.
Anyene, who said that there were 20 Nigerians living in the
affected community, added that none had been reported dead in the incident. ‘’
Six Nigerians have taken refuge with their families in nearby SpringBok
community and they do not know the whereabouts of the other Nigerians.
Although it was also said that the Union had reported the
incident to the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa.
Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche
Ajulu-Okeke, confirmed the incident, saying the mission had commenced
investigations. ‘’ The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa has received report
of new xenophobic attacks in Northern Cape Province of South Africa. ‘’ The
mission has commenced investigation into the incident and will ensure that
Nigerians are safe in South Africa,’’ she said.
