‘Crime has no nationality’ — Nigeria asks South Africa to prosecute perpetrators of xenophobic attacks

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged the South African government to prosecute perpetrators of recent xenophobic attacks in the country.

The attacks, which resurfaced this month, have targeted African immigrants particularly Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, and Nigerians.

On Monday, the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg said two citizens — Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew — were killed in the escalating tensions.

In a statement on Wednesday, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM chair, expressed concern over the deteriorating situation despite bilateral engagements.

According to the statement, pupils of Nigerian descent are now scared to attend school; business owners are afraid to open their shops for fear of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment; while community leaders have documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation in the last 72 hours.

“We state clearly that NIDCOM rejects the profiling and generalisation of all Nigerians. Crime has no nationality,” the statement reads.

“Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law.

“However, collective punishment and blanket labeling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous.”

NiDCOM demanded increased police presence and patrols in flashpoint communities where Nigerians reside and trade, prompt arrest and prosecution of persons involved in xenophobic attacks, arson, and extortion; and a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum with police, city officials, and diaspora leaders.

The commission also asked for a clear public messaging from South African authorities condemning xenophobia and warning against stereotyping.

Dabiri-Erewa said the commission is in direct contact with the Nigerian high commission in Pretoria, the consulate in Johannesburg, as well as the ministry of foreign affairs.

The NiDCOM chair implored all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas after dark.