The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has expressed discontent with alleged violent attacks on Nigerians in the latest gesture of xenophobic attack on foreigners in the country.
The Acting Secretary of NUSA, Collins Mgbo, made the condemnation in a letter addressed to the South African authorities on Wednesday.
According to him, the xenophobic attack on foreigners began on the 24th of March in Brits, North West Province and Durban, Kwazulu-Natal province.
He said “NUSA is using this medium to bring to your attention of attacks on our nationals in Brits, North West Province which started on Sunday, March 24 2019.
“Our people are living in panic and fear of more attacks by a coalition of gang members called Russians and Taxi Drivers.
“Information available to our disposal revealed that shops and properties of Nigerians were damaged and burnt during the attacks.”
Mgbo also stated that seven Nigerians were injured in the ongoing attacks with three of them hospitalized due to the sustenance of life-threatening injuries.
He added that intervention from South Africa and Nigeria government is urgently needed in order to curb the situation from escalating.
Mgbo in a letter said “Also, earlier in the day, foreign nationals in Durban area of Kwazulu-Natal Province were attacked, beaten and their properties burnt by angry locals.
“Over 100 foreigners have taken refuge at the police station. Some of the displaced foreigners are Nigerians.
“As at the time of this report, no death of any Nigerian has been recorded; even though two foreign nationals have been reported dead.”
Mgbo said that a high-level delegation led by NUSA would soon engage stakeholders as well as groups that allegedly carried out the assault, with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the xenophobia.
