Angry with the growing cases of killings of Nigerians in South Africa, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawal, PhD has warned that the Nigerian government will no longer tolerate further attacks on its citizens. Lawan made the disclosure when he hosted the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Bobby Moroe yesterday, 15th July 2019 at the National Assembly, in Abuja.
President of the Senate further revealed that no fewer than 118 Nigerians have so far been killed in xenophobic attacks over the years, of which the South African Police perpetrated 13.
He disclosed that the meeting became pertinent considering the incessant attacks on Nigerians residing in South Africa, adding: “We in the Parliament must speak up to prevent any further killings.
Lawan restated that the South African government should do whatever it takes to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians living in their country, just as the Nigerian government would remain committed to the safety of South Africans residing in Nigeria and their investments.
He adverted on Nigeria’s enormous contributions to South Africa during the Apartheid rule, adding: “We must establish events that led to the killings, including Mrs Elizabeth Chukwu, who was killed recently in her hotel room.
” Nigeria, he insisted, would no longer condone such killings, urging the South African government to, as a matter of responsibility, protects Nigerians residing in their country.
In his response, Moroe lamented the killings of Nigerians, extended his country’s condolences to families of the victims, saying an inquest had been instituted to investigate all cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and according to him, the culprits will be brought to justice.
