Fresh Xenophobia Claims Spark NANS Protest Threat

The National Association of Nigerian Students, South West Zone D, has announced plans to stage demonstrations at South African businesses operating in Nigeria, following fresh reports of xenophobic attacks that allegedly claimed the lives of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

The association, in a statement signed by its South West Zone Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, described the killings as part of “a recurring pattern of hostility and violence” against Nigerians living in South Africa, and named MTN Group and MultiChoice Group as primary targets of the planned action.

“The recent killing of two Nigerians is not just an isolated tragedy but a painful reminder of a recurring pattern of hostility and violence against our people,” the statement read. “It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.”

The announcement came on the same day South African President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly dismissed claims of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in his country, a position widely criticised given documented evidence of ongoing violence against migrants. His remarks drew fresh diplomatic pressure from several African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania, all of which have either stepped up diplomatic engagement or threatened economic sanctions against Pretoria.

The situation was further complicated by continued street protests in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, by the controversial anti-migrant movement known as March and March, which has been targeting undocumented foreign nationals in the province.

NANS maintained it was open to dialogue with South African business representatives and diplomatic channels, but stressed that symbolic gestures would not be sufficient. “Silence, delayed responses, or symbolic gestures will not suffice. The safety, dignity and rights of Nigerians must be guaranteed, not negotiated,” the group declared.