Helping Nigerian victims of xenophobia in South Africa

A few months back, some Nigerians resident in South Africa were victims of xenophobia. Their means of livelihoods were destroyed; some were maimed while others were killed. The extent of the devastation visited on Nigerians and other non-South African nationals can only be imagined than experienced.

A few days ago, some Nigerians affected in the attacks in Limpopo Province of South Africa reportedly called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to assist them. The vice chairman of the Nigeria Union in the province, Mr Olusegun Oyebanji, said many Nigerians affected in the incident were facing hard times. He said a woman whose husband was killed during the attack is left with four children. He was the breadwinner of the family. Oyebanji also added that another Nigerian whose skin was scarred is just recovering from the wounds inflicted on him.

The list of pain is endless as reported by the union. The Nigerian government must rise to the occasion and help the affected people who are Nigerian citizens in coping with the harsh realities that the attacks brought on them. Nigeria’s Federal Government must as a matter of urgency call the consulate officials to order and see to it that the immediate needs of the victims are met. We must not abandon our own at such a time like this. Everything must be done to ensure that they get the assistance required to start a new life.

The manner in which many of our citizens are treated in other countries should be brought to the attention of the United Nations and the needed sanction should be imposed those erring countries. We do not say that those Nigerians who violate the laws of their host countries should not be dealt with but those who are law-abiding, who conduct themselves well should be protected and not harassed.

Jude Ejiofor, Enugu.