No Nigerian died in latest #xenophobic attacks - Consul-General Adama

Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Mr Godwin Adama has debunked reports and videos depicting the death of Nigerians in the latest xenophobic attacks in South Africa. He said there were no deaths.

He however said over 50 vehicles and other property worth millions of dollars owned by Nigerians were vandalised, burnt or stolen.

Adama spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone conversation from Johannesburg, on Tuesday, against the backdrop of renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in Pretoria and Johannesburg on Aug 28 and Sept 1.

Five persons died in the attacks typified by burning and looting of shops and properties.

According to him, the situation has been tense as the attacks have been well coordinated in the various areas such as Jules Street, Jappestown, Marven, Alexandra and Turffontein.

He, however, said that no Nigerian was killed and that the five people that were killed died as a result of a building that was gutted by fire.

He said that most criminals seized the opportunity of the fire outbreak that occurred to loot property belonging to foreigners and as such some people were affected.

He said that the African National Congress (ANC) has condemned the attacks, as well as the Minister of Police Affairs, Cele Bheki, dissociating the party and government from the actions.

The Consul General said he had been in touch with the High Commissioner, Amb. Kabiru Bala, to collectively address the issues, while assuring of plans to continue to monitor the development.

He said that although there had been some arrests, it is not certain that such attacks would cease completely in few days, considering the strategies by criminally minded mobs involved in the attacks.

He, however, said that the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Nigeria Consulate in Johannesburg would put measures in place to ensure coordinated response at the diplomatic level.(Pmnews)