Nigerians in S’Africa asked to remain indoors

Nigerians resident in South Africa have been directed to remain indoors up until the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country is put under control.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of a meeting he attended at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the directive was handed down to them by the nation’s mission in Pretoria despite the fact that no Nigerian has so far been reported to be affected in the attack.
He said, “With the discussions I have been having with Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Pretoria, no Nigeria has so far been affected. ‎

“They informed me that they have called members of the Nigerian community and addressed them and told them to close their shops, stay home and keep out of trouble and obey the laws of South Africa.

“They have also confirmed that the South African authority have moved in to take actions that would forestall any further disturbance in South Africa.”
Wali however said the Federal Government would not hesitate to evacuate Nigerians from the country if the situation worsens.

“If it (the situation) gets worse, it is the duty of our country to make sure our people are brought back, and we are taking that duty serious.
“We are not prepared to allow any of our nationals to be subjected to such inhuman treatment.
“We are not being reactionary because this is happening to all foreigners, not Nigerians alone. We are monitoring the situation and will now take action according to the situation that develops,” he said.

On the investigation ordered by the President on the recent diplomatic row between Nigeria and Morocco over whether indeed Jonathan spoke with King Mohammed VI on the telephone as claimed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wali simply said, “We are still at it.”