By Akinwale Kasali
A Yoruba Socio-Cultural Union Group under the aegis of Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of inaction over the continued killings of Nigerians and destruction of their properties and businesses by South Africans in the former apartheid nation.
The Group, in a statement issued on Wednesday condemned the brutal killings, harassment, and destruction of properties belonging to Nigerians, carried out by South African citizens.
The statement was signed by the Convener of the group, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, where it expressed frustration over the Nigerian government’s silence. It warned that public anger is mounting.
“Don’t allow things to escalate before you take action.
“Nigerians are boiling and patient, but their patience will soon be exhausted once no action is taken to stop the killings and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.”
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá called on President Tinubu to take immediate and concrete measures, including the shutdown of South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria, specifically naming telecommunications giant MTN Group and media company MultiChoice Group.
“The madness going on in South Africa must be stopped. President Tinubu should talk to President Cyril Ramaphosa to put a stop to xenophobia in South Africa, or Nigerians will retaliate in multiples,” the group warned.
It further accused the South African government of failing to uphold international human rights standards, citing Article 3 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which affirms that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”
According to the group, the attacks are being driven by resentment against Nigerians and other African nationals who are perceived to be economically successful.
“South Africans are targeting Nigerians and other African nationals who are excelling in their businesses, instead of holding their government accountable, they resort to attacking innocent Nigerians who are lawfully doing their businesses.”
The statement further states that, “Nigerians did not take their jobs; rather, they created more jobs and wealth for South African people”.
The Group urged President Tinubu to personally visit South Africa to address the situation and warn of the diplomatic and economic consequences of continued attacks on Nigerians and other African citizens.
The Group also added that continued violence could provoke reprisals attack in Nigeria and other African countries.
“If the attacks and killings do not stop, Nigerians will have no other options than to start retaliating, and if that should happen, South Africa will be the one to lose in a big way,” they added.
However, the group advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to prioritise their safety.
“We urge all Nigerians living in South Africa to please stay safe or find all means to return to Nigeria if the Tinubu government fails to take drastic actions.”
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