Xenophobia Attacks: We Have Not Ruled Out Retaliatory Measures Against S’Africa — FG

By Rotela Oguns

The federal government has stated that it has not ruled the possiblity of getting back at the South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians on the shores of the country

The government revealed this as efforts are in top gear to repatriate Nigerians who are willing to return home amid the escalating tension in South Africa.

Speaking on the development during a chat with State House correspondents at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, noted that considering retaliatory measures “is not off the table” for the Nigerian government.

“Well, that is a situation that we are considering.

“This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it’s not off the table.” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said when quizzed by journalists over Nigeria’s position on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The minister registered her displeasure over Nigerians’ plight in South Africa, stressing that  they  continue to face harassment, intimidation and attacks on their businesses despite multiple engagements.

“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria sacrificed quite a lot, committed funds, committed resources to aid South Africa,” she said.

A first batch of over 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa were expected to return home on Monday but the repatriation flight was later rescheduled to Wednesday over documentation delays.

“The figures keep increasing. There are several processes, as you know, that have to be undertaken by South African Homeland Security,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

“We ensure that we screen our citizens who want to return; they also are part of the screening process, and once the citizens are cleared, they are given a paper that indicates they are free to go, essentially.”

At least 270 Nigerians are expected to  make the first batch returning home.

Recall that former Edo governor and the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, recently called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of South African companies in Nigeria, including DStv and MTN, in retaliation for renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.