Following xenophobic attacks connected to the contentious installation of a Nigerian as Igwe Ndigbo, Nigerians in the Eastern Cape of South Africa have become terrified.
Nigerians awoke to commotion on Monday morning when South Africans protested over the early March coronation of Solomon Eziko, a Nigerian Igbo chief, by taking to the streets of Albany and Buffalo under KuGombo, often known as East London.
South Africans were outraged by the installation, citing conflicts between traditional values and disrespect for their nation’s sovereignty.
According to information obtained, around 26 Nigerians were injured and admitted to hospitals, with millions of rands (billions of naira) worth of property, including vehicles and stores, was destroyed.
Videos that went viral showed South Africans and security personnel assaulting and abusing Nigerians while demanding that they leave the nation.
In one of the footages, a Nigerian man was requested to collect his belongings, close his tent, and leave South Africa by representatives of the MKP Labour and Civic Organization.
In a different clip, South Africans showed up in large numbers to compel Nigerians to shut down their businesses and flee their nation.
READ ALSO: S’Africa Erupts in Violence Over Alleged Igbo King Coronation, Tension Soars
‘Most stupid thing’
A Nigerian who spoke with Saturday PUNCH, blamed the reported attacks on the coronation, describing it as a “most stupid thing.”
The source disclosed that although the protests had subsided, there were reports of protesters regrouping to continue attacks on Nigerians.
“The crowning of the Igwe is the most stupid thing any African migrants could have done in South Africa in a Municipal election year, at a time when there is high anti-migrant sentiment.
“We received information about another planned protest and asked our members with businesses in the Central Business District to lock up their shops,” he said.
The source also clarified that Nigerians are not the only victims, though primarily the targets.
Nigerians panic, remain indoors
According to information obtained by Saturday PUNCH, Nigerians residing in the nation have been forced to stay inside due to fear following the protests.
The President-General of the Nigerian Union S’Africa, Mr Smart Nwobi, said many Nigerians had remained indoors, while several businesses were shut over safety concerns.
“Our people are still fearful. They are indoors. Many shops are still locked. Some of the shops were damaged and looted, and we are going to assess the damage.
He emphasised that these societies were lawfully registered under the country’s legislation and described how Nigerian communities in South Africa frequently conducted cultural rituals and exhibitions.
He claims that the event in question is symbolic and does not aim to undermine or duplicate South Africa’s established leadership system.
Investigation ongoing
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission(NiDCOM) Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, told Saturday PUNCH on Thursday that the commission was investigating the issue.
Earlier, the NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm.
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