By Daily Review Online
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has threatened to stage peaceful protests and picket South African businesses operating in Nigeria over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, the zone’s coordinator, Kayode Adeyemo, condemned what he described as a fresh wave of violence targeting Nigerians, reportedly leading to the deaths of two citizens.
Adeyemo said the incidents reflect a troubling pattern of hostility against Nigerians living in South Africa, stressing that such attacks must end immediately. He added that NANS is mobilising students across the region to begin peaceful demonstrations and advocacy campaigns against South African firms in Nigeria.
He argued that it is unjust for companies from South Africa to continue operating profitably in Nigeria while Nigerians allegedly face threats to their safety abroad. According to him, the student body will no longer tolerate what it sees as a contradiction between economic cooperation and the protection of Nigerian lives.
The NANS leader also called on the South African government to take urgent steps to safeguard foreign nationals and ensure justice for victims. While maintaining a firm stance, he noted that the association remains open to dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including business representatives and diplomatic authorities, to find a lasting solution.
Adeyemo emphasised that Nigerian students would not stay silent while the safety and dignity of their compatriots are at risk, describing the situation as one that demands accountability and decisive action.