A series of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, other Africans and their businesses in South Africa in recent times has given rise to reactions across the African continent. Nigerians in a retaliatory move, laid siege to South African owned businesses, particularly several Shoprite outlets across Nigeria, and offices of the telecommunications company, MTN, while forcing some others to close, for fear of being attacked. However, this soon got out of control as other shops belonging to Nigerian businesses situated close to the initial target spots, were looted and vandalised. Following these incidents, the Nigeria Police announced that it has arrested about 125 persons in connection to these reprisal attacks.
In other reactions to the xenophobic attacks, the Federal Government sent a delegation to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to convey President Buhari’s concerns on the violence against Nigerians and commit to finding lasting solutions to the issue. Also, the Vice President who was billed to attend the World Economic Forum holding in Capetown, South Africa boycotted the conference, to register Nigeria’s indignation at the sour turn of events. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffery Onyeama on Wednesday, 4th September 2019, stated that the Nigerian Government will continue to insist on the two demands it has made of South Africa – to pay compensation for destruction of properties belonging to Nigerians and to provide adequate security for Nigerians in South Africa. The Foreign Affairs ministry also announced that a Nigerian airline, Air Peace has committed to evacuating Nigerians who wish to return home from South Africa, free of charge. The airline announced that a first batch of 320 Nigerians are expected back in Nigeria by Wednesday, 11th September 2019. The Speaker of the House of representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila held a world press conference on Friday, 6th September 2019, in which he addressed the attack on Nigerians. According to him, “We did not provoke, nor did we deserve the treatment meted out to our people in South Africa”. He also stated that the House of Representatives would authorise funding for victims of the attacks who wish to take legal action against the perpetrators.