By Joke Kujenya
WARNING OF economic retaliation has been issued by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the South African government over recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in the country.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the association conveyed its position in a letter addressed to the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thamsanga Dennis Mseleku, at the South African High Commission in Abuja, expressing outrage and describing the situation as continued targeting of Nigerian citizens.
The statement, signed by NANS President Comrade Atiku Isah, said the body representing over 40 million Nigerian students could no longer tolerate what it described as systematic victimisation.
“It is deeply regrettable that some South Africans have resorted to brutalising their fellow Africans,” the statement read.
“We must remind your government of the pivotal, frontline role Nigeria played financially and diplomatically in dismantling the oppressive Apartheid regime.
“We stood by South Africa in its darkest hours, making immense sacrifices for your liberation.”
NANS described the attacks as a betrayal of a shared Pan African struggle between both countries.
“It is a gross betrayal of our shared Pan African history to see Nigerians subjected to such hostility today,” Isah said.
The association stated that it had run out of patience and issued an ultimatum to South African authorities.
“Therefore, this letter serves as an official ultimatum should there be any further reports of a Nigerian citizen being attacked or killed in South Africa, NANS will immediately mobilise our millions of members nationwide to shut down operations and force MTN, alongside other South African business interests, out of the Nigerian market.”
JKNewsMedia.com also report that NANS added that it would not remain passive in the face of what it described as disregard for Nigerian lives.
“We will no longer fold our arms while the lives of our citizens are treated with reckless disdain.
“We demand that the South African government takes immediate, decisive action against the perpetrators and ensures the absolute protection of Nigerians within its borders.”
The association called on the South African government to treat the warning with urgency, stating that failure to act could lead to nationwide protests and economic disruption.
“We expect your government to heed this warning with the utmost seriousness it demands,” Isah said.
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