By Linus Aleke
Federal Government (FG), has raised alarm over impending xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, and other foreign nationals resident in South Africa.
The alarm follows a definite threat by a xenophobic group, code named, “Operation Dudula,” which said, it will begin to unleash mayhem on foreigners resident in the rainbow country from Thursday, 2 September, 2022.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa raised the alarm in a trending letter titled, “Advisory To Nigerians In South Africa,” written by the Consular Section of the Nigeria High Commission and dated August 24, 2022.
However, this is not the first time that these irate South African youths and frustrated citizens, with xenophobic orientation are transferring the aggression of poor governance and high unemployment in their country on foreigners with particular target on Nigerians and their business interests.
It on record, that it took the intervention of Nigeria and other countries to liberate South Africa from iron barricade of the repressive apartheid regime.
Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that South Africans are looking in wrong direction for solutions to their poverty and economic backwardness, as well as paying Nigeria evil for good.
Recall that in 2019, foreigners, particularly Nigerians were attacked and their properties looted. This incendiary development almost led to a diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa, as well as elicited reprisal attacks and looting of South African businesses in Lagos and Abuja.
This irresponsible group that allegedly operate unchallenged by the South African security agencies had, in recent video clips informed of the plan to march against foreign nationals in South Africa, starting from next Thursday, 2 September, 2022.
As reported, members of the group are particularly targeting foreign business owners, shops and undocumented foreign nationals.
The High Commission advised Nigerians to be security-conscious, vigilant and exercise caution in their daily activities due to the threats of attack.
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“This is to advise Nigerians living in South Africa to be vigilant and exercise caution in their activities due to the recent utterances of the proponents of the Operation Dudula and their threats to attack foreign nationals in this country.
“The group, through public notice and video clips circulated on the social media has informed of plans to march against foreign migrants in South Africa, starting from the 2nd of September, 2022, and specifically on foreign business owners, shops and undocumented foreign nationals.
“Nigerian residents in South Africa are hereby advised to exercise caution and be watchful in carrying out their day to day activities,” the letter from Nigerian High Commission, read in part.
Unfortunately, South Africa authorities, including its Mission in Nigeria has kept sealed lips over the ugly and reprehensible development.
