The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to avoid protests and any form of confrontation amid rising xenophobic violence in parts of the country.
The warning follows a surge in anti-foreigner demonstrations targeting foreign-owned businesses, with reports of looting, property destruction, and injuries in cities such as East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal.
A viral video circulating online showed a Nigerian clothing trader being confronted by a group of South African men who ordered him to pack up his goods and leave the country. The incident has heightened fears among Nigerians and other foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, many of whom rely on small-scale businesses for their livelihood.
In a statement, NiDCOM said the advisory was based on intelligence from the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, which indicated that further protests are being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29.
The commission urged Nigerians to avoid crowded areas, monitor local media for updates, and refrain from engaging with protest groups. It also advised business owners to temporarily shut down their shops, particularly around the April 27 Freedom Day, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during periods of unrest.
NiDCOM added that it is working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians, while diplomatic efforts are ongoing to address the situation.
