XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS: BUHARI TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA IN OCTOBER, DISPATCHES SPECIAL ENVOY

The directive of Buhari was contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina on Tuesday which stated that the President “noted with deep concern, reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019.”

“Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property.

“President Buhari has also dispatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation. The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019.”

Penpushing reports that, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, Kabiru Bala, in a related development said in a statement that the Nigerian President would travel to South Africa next month over the attacks, and pledged to defend the interests of Nigerians in South Africa.

“All Nigerian victims of the current attacks are requested to come forward to report their situation to the high commission and the consulate,” the high commissioner wrote in the statement, stressing that Nigerian Government would not condone attacks on its citizens by South Africans.

Penpushing further reports that, Bala described the violence as an ‘anarchy’ and calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Government to act and also assured that Nigerians should be confident of support from their country’s embassy and consulate in Pretoria and Johannesburg, respectively.

“All Nigerian victims of the current attacks are requested to come forward to report their situation to the High Commission and the Consulate. The two missions will continue to be home to all Nigerians in this trying time and in the future”