ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, has reassured that Nigerians living in the country are not under siege despite recent xenophobic tensions, noting that both governments are working closely to ensure safety.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Monday, Ajayi said the main focus of Nigerian and South African authorities is the protection and welfare of all residents, including foreign nationals.
He said, “Let me first make the point that right now Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is currently under control. The governments are working on it.
“The two governments are working on it.
Actually, the priority right now is to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen, including foreigners.”
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His remarks follow recent anti-foreigner protests and violence reported in areas such as Durban, Cape Town, and East London, where incidents of assaults, looting of foreign-owned businesses, and calls for immigrants to leave were recorded.
Ajayi described the situation as “isolated tension,” urging calm and caution rather than panic.
He said, “What we have seen is a kind of isolated tension, and that is why it calls for caution.
“But in terms of direct attack or direct siege on Nigerians, that is not taking place right now.
“There have been some concerns about foreigners, in terms of people targeting foreigners.
“But the government has come out to issue a statement on that, particularly the police commissioner, and cautioned people against targeting foreigners and xenophobic practices.”
Speaking from Pretoria, the envoy noted that conditions remain relatively peaceful, adding that Johannesburg is also calm.
“For now, I am particularly in Pretoria right now, and the situation is relatively calm. Also in Johannesburg, it is calm.
“So what we had before was an isolated uprising in KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, which was contained, and which informed the prompt response by the government in terms of issuing that directive to the people. We have also issued some advisories, which call for caution,” he said.
Addressing a viral video allegedly showing Nigerians and other foreigners being denied access to a building, Ajayi said the individuals involved do not represent the broader South African population.
“Those people you are seeing don’t represent the entire South African community. They are just people acting on their paymasters. We have issued a lot of advisories to our people in terms of remaining calm, obeying, and respecting the local laws and customs,” he said.
Earlier, the Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, had advised citizens to remain cautious, stay indoors when necessary, and in some cases temporarily close their businesses.