By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, warning that continued violence and harassment of Nigerians abroad could trigger wider diplomatic consequences if not urgently addressed.

The student body called on the Federal Government to pursue what it described as a permanent and strategic solution to the repeated attacks, intimidation and targeting of Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

The position was contained in a statement signed by the President of NANS, Olushola Oladoja.

“Nigeria deserves respect across the African continent, and the lives, dignity, and safety of Nigerians must never be treated with disregard anywhere in the world,” Oladoja said.

NANS said it was disturbing that Nigerians continued to face hostility in South Africa despite Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle and the country’s transition to democratic rule under leaders such as Nelson Mandela.

The association recalled the 2015 xenophobic attacks, the 2017 anti-immigrant violence and the 2019 nationwide attacks that led to killings, displacement, destruction of businesses and diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.

NANS also cited repeated harassment, unlawful profiling and intimidation of Nigerian students, business owners and professionals in different parts of South Africa, alongside anti-foreigner campaigns and inflammatory rhetoric targeting African migrants.

“African unity cannot survive where fellow Africans are hunted, assaulted, and humiliated on the basis of nationality,” the apex student body stated.

The association warned that silence or inadequate responses to the attacks could embolden perpetrators and further damage relations across the continent.

NANS therefore urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other diplomatic channels, to strengthen engagement with South African authorities and ensure protection and justice for affected Nigerians.

The association also called for stronger bilateral mechanisms against xenophobic violence, firmer diplomatic measures where necessary, and improved protection for Nigerian students studying in South Africa.

While urging Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant and law-abiding, the association said it was closely monitoring developments.

NANS declared, “Enough is enough. While we remain committed to peaceful engagement and diplomatic solutions, we equally affirm that Nigerian students will not continue to tolerate the repeated victimization and humiliation of Nigerians indefinitely.

“Appropriate democratic actions and matching reactions may become inevitable if the situation continues unchecked and the final limit of endurance is exceeded.”