The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to shut down South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria if South African authorities fail to stop recurring attacks on Nigerians living in the country.
According to Daily Post, NANS made the declaration during a press conference on Monday, condemning what it described as continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians. The association said its latest warning followed the reported killing of a Nigerian businessman, popularly known as Big Joe, who was allegedly shot dead outside his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province.
NANS accused South African authorities of failing to adequately address repeated attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants despite years of diplomatic engagement between both countries.
“We are counting down to the June 30 deadline and sending a clear message to the authorities in Pretoria. No country has an exclusive claim to the use of force. If the South African government and its security agencies continue to stand by while Nigerians are attacked, killed and their businesses looted, we will respond by shutting down South African business interests operating in Nigeria,” the association said.
NANS added that it has begun mobilising members nationwide and urged the Nigerian government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure justice for victims and improve the protection of Nigerians in South Africa.
