Nigerian Leader Condemns Xenophobic Attacks, Calls for Action

The Nigerian people are experiencing profound pain and outrage over the escalating xenophobic violence targeting their compatriots in South Africa. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in a personal commentary, draws a parallel to Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' to articulate the deep sense of betrayal felt by Nigerians, who have historically supported and sacrificed for South Africa. The brutal killings and systematic persecution of Nigerians, he argues, are not merely the actions of South African citizens but also involve elements within the South African security forces, raising grave concerns.

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Caesar loved Brutus his protegee above all else but at the end of the day it was Brutus, after others had stabbed him all over the body with their knives, that struck the fatal blow deep into his ageing chest and killed him.

According to reports from the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, at least two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpeyong Andrew, have lost their lives due to these xenophobic tensions. Emmanuel's death, allegedly from injuries sustained after being beaten by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20, is particularly alarming. Fani-Kayode forcefully condemns these acts, stating unequivocally that Nigerian lives matter and that the killings, beatings, persecution, and discrimination are unacceptable and must be stopped.

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The shock of the betrayal by a loved one and his famous last words, “et tu Brute”, as he slowly bled and died, (which when translated from Latin to English means “and you too Brutus?”) conveyed his anguish and pain.

The situation described is dire: Nigerians are being denied access to education and healthcare, their businesses are being ransacked and shut down, workers are being fired, and homes are being raided. Nigerians are subjected to public humiliation, insults, and violence, often without any just cause, even when their immigration papers are in order. The commentary highlights disturbing scenes of South Africans marching through cities, adorned in tribal wear, singing war songs, and brandishing weapons. From a Nigerian perspective, this is not just an isolated incident of xenophobia; it is a deeply painful and unacceptable betrayal by a nation that Nigeria has historically supported, demanding immediate and decisive action to protect its citizens abroad.

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That is how the Nigerian people feel today as they witness the torment and sheer wickedness that their compatriots are being subjected to in South Africa, a nation that most of us love so deeply and dearly and that we sacrificed so much for historically.