President MUHAMMADU BUHARI has directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, GEOFFREY ONYEAMA, to further engage the South African authorities on the appropriate measuresto be taken, to end the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

 

He has also given approval for the immediate voluntary evacuation of all Nigerians, who are willing to return to Nigeria.

 

The President gave the directive upon receiving the report of the special envoy he sent to President CYRIL RAMAPHOSA last week, to register Nigeria’s concerns over the attacks.

 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), FEMI ADESINA, the Presidency said the special envoy, who is the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, AHMED RUFAI-ABUBAKAR, returned to Nigeria after the assignment and has submitted his report to the president.

 

President BUHARI stressed the need for South African Government to take visible measures to stop violence against citizens of brotherly African nations.

 

According to the statement, President BUHARI is worried that the recurring issue of xenophobia could negatively affect the image and standing of South Africa as one of the leading countries on the continent, if nothing is done to stop it.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project is seeking compensation to the tune of $10bn on behalf of hundreds of Nigerians who were victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

 

The group made this demand in an open letter sent to Mrs. SOYATA MAIGA, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

 

The letter signed by the deputy director KOLAWOLE OLUWADARE.

 

It also asked members of the commission to file a case on the escalating xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African citizens in South Africa before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

SERAP noted that the commission ought to make it clear to the South African authorities that the victims of the heinous crimes have a right to an effective remedy and reparation.

The Nigerian Mission in South Africa has said that no fewer than 400 Nigerians have indicated interest and registered to be evacuated from South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks.

 

Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, GODWIN ADAMA, said this in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

 

ADAMA noted that Air Peace had offered to airlift those willing to return home sequel to the attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.

 

According to him, the first batch of Nigerians who are willing to return home will be repatriated on Wednesday.

 

Two persons were stabbed yesterday in a resurgence of xenophobic protests in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

The President, Nigerian Union South Africa, ADETOLA OLUBAJO, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview.

 

He however could not speak on the nationalities of the victims or the severity of the injuries as the police had yet to reveal the identities of the victims.

 

OLUBAJO said that two people were stabbed by Taxi Rank and Jeppe Road in Johannesburg Central Business District adding they have informed the Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg and the police in Jeppestown.

 

Tension heightened in the Johannesburg Central Business District following fresh protests by a group which has been demanding that foreigners leave the country.

 

A crowd of about 1200 hostel residents had gathered at the Murray Park to be addressed by Inkatha Freedom Party leader, Prince MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI in Jeppestown.