Xenophobia: Nigerians In South Africa Seek Refuge For Women, Children

By Andah John with agency report

The Nigerian community in South Africa is reported to have called on the Nigerian Mission in that country to provide cover for women and children, ahead of Friday’s planned demonstration by South Africans.

Leader of the Nigerian Union Ikechukwu Anyene, and Secretary, Adetola Olubajo, made the request on Thursday in a letter to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

The letter stated that the union was aware of the planned march in Pretoria, adding that it could turn violent.

Union calls for improved security

Nigerians, it said, were still living in fear because of inadequate protection by the police.

“ We are requesting that women and children that are Nigerian citizens living in Pretoria West and its environs should be allowed to take refuge at the High Commission on Friday.

“ We are making this request to ensure their safety as the protest march may turn violent,” it said.

The letter, it was gathered, further states that members of the union had accompanied Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, on a fact finding visit to the affected areas on Wednesday.

Ajulu-Okeke said after the visit that a contingency arrangement would be made to accommodate Nigerian women and children at the High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate in Johannesburg during the march.