Nigerians residing in South Africa resorted to
self defense in the face of xenophobic attacks by South Africans.
Attackers
are said to be specifically targeting Nigerians. It was gathered that plans by
South Africans to further attack Nigerians especially those resident in
Pretoria and Johannesburg last Thursday, was thwarted by Nigerians, who
defended themselves having earlier been informed of the scheduled attacks.
Nigerian
Embassy in South Africa rose to the occasion as it informed Nigerians of the
imminent attacks and consequently advised that they should close their business
places. The counsel by the Embassy to stay away from trouble was obeyed by
Nigerians, who stayed indoors but many of them armed themselves and were ready
to battle the attackers who consequently exercised caution.
The
intelligence provided by the Embassy prevented the quantum of loss recorded by
Nigerians from being worst in human and material terms. The South African
Police, it was gathered had used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon to
disperse anti-immigrant protesters in Pretoria yesterday. It was further learnt
that both the protesting South Africans and foreigners were armed with sticks,
bricks and knives. These came as President Jacob Zuma condemned the attacks on
Africans residing in the country. “Many citizens of other countries living in
South Africa are law abiding and contribute to the economy of the country
positively,” he noted. These findings which were gathered from different
sources in South Africa were corroborated by a former Nigerian international,
Mr. Peterside Idah on his official Twitter handle.
The
South African-based former footballer had stated thus, “It is a standoff in
Pretoria, Nigerians have refused to hide. South Africans marching are being
confronted by Nigerians carrying guns”. The conversation reads, “Nigerians
armed themselves and waited for South Africans”.
The involvement of the Police made the
situation to calm down. Before the xenophobic attacks were against black
foreigners. But the recent one was targeted at Nigerians specifically.
Nigerians
were being accused of doing drugs and prostitution more than others. So, they
targeted Nigerians. “When they planned the attacks again, Nigerians armed
themselves and waited. But our Embassy passed information that Nigerians
should close shops and avoid trouble which they heeded. And there has been
relative peace. Since Thursday people have remained indoors. South African
Police have done a good job. They are moving around and policing
everywhere. Nigerians have had peace. No killing has been reported since
yesterday”.
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