Xenophobia: NANS Raises Alarm Over Attacks On Nigerians In South Africa

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to ensure the safety of Nigerian students in South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Vice President for External Affairs of NANS, Aneke Kenechukwu, expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of hostility against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other Africans.

The student body warned that the escalating situation poses a serious threat to lives and undermines the ideals of African unity and cooperation.

“Nigerian students in South Africa now live in fear and uncertainty,” the statement read.

“As young ambassadors and future leaders of our nation, their protection must be treated as a national emergency.”

NANS urged the Federal Government to take swift diplomatic steps by engaging South African authorities to secure firm guarantees for the safety of Nigerian citizens, especially students.

The association also called for the activation of diplomatic channels to closely monitor developments and ensure perpetrators of xenophobic violence are brought to justice.

“Diplomacy remains the most responsible path, but it must be proactive, firm, and result-oriented. Nigerian lives must not be left to bureaucratic delay,” the statement added.

Beyond diplomacy, the student body appealed for immediate support for affected students, including the provision of safe shelters, emergency hotlines, and financial assistance where necessary.

It further recommended the development of a coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students willing to return home.

According to NANS, such measures would help prevent further exposure to life-threatening risks.

Naija News understands that xenophobic protests have intensified in parts of South Africa, including Pretoria and other cities, where migrants have reportedly faced harassment, violence, and threats.

There are also claims that protesters targeted schools, attempting to remove or block children of foreign nationals from attending classes.

The unrest has reportedly led to fatalities, including two Nigerians, heightening concerns within the diaspora community.

NANS stressed the need for collaboration between the Federal Government, student bodies, Nigerian diplomatic missions, and international partners to ensure the protection of Nigerian students abroad.

“The time to act is now. Every delay endangers innocent lives,” the statement concluded.

While Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa has maintained that the situation is under control, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals to respect local laws, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding human rights.