The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West zone 'D', has threatened to stage peaceful protests and picket South African businesses in Nigeria. The action follows renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa reportedly linked to the deaths of two Nigerians. Coordinator Kayode Adeyemo announced the planned demonstrations in a statement issued on Wednesday. He condemned what he described as a recurring pattern of violence targeting Nigerians abroad.
Adeyemo stated that the student body is mobilising members for peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African firms operating in Nigeria. He argued it is morally indefensible for such companies to profit in Nigeria while Nigerians face violence in South Africa. "It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere. This contradiction will no longer be tolerated," he said.
The coordinator called on the South African government to take urgent steps to protect foreign nationals and ensure justice for victims. He affirmed NANS's willingness to engage in dialogue with business representatives, diplomatic channels, and other stakeholders. Adeyemo stressed that Nigerian students would not remain passive in the face of threats to the safety and dignity of their compatriots. "This is a moment for accountability, responsibility and decisive action," he said.
Kayode Adeyemo condemns violence against Nigerians in South Africa while targeting South African businesses in Nigeria, yet offers no evidence linking those firms to the attacks. His call for protests creates tension for companies operating legally in Nigeria despite no allegation of their involvement in the violence. The action risks penalising innocent businesses in Nigeria for crimes committed by unknown actors in South Africa. This shifts focus from diplomatic solutions to symbolic retaliation that may harm Nigerian economic interests.
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