Nigerian militant groups on Wednesday, threatened to bomb South African companies in retaliation for the Xenophobic attacks that have occurred in Johannesburg and Pretoria over the past couple of weeks. Nigeria Communications Week reports that Niger Delta militants have given South African firms a month to vacate the country.
Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Volunteers and Niger Delta Strike Force yesterday addressed a letter with their concerns to the Office of the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria. In the letter titled ‘Attack and killings of Nigerians living in South Africa’, the militants expressed anger that the South African Police were shielding criminals and working with them (criminals).
They warned of an imminent attack on all South African business interests, adding that they could no longer sit and watch innocent Nigerians being killed indiscriminately.
Part of the petition read: “Our attention has been drawn to the series of unprovoked attack, looting, shutting down of business offices, killing and maiming of Nigerian nationals living in South Africa.” “It is so regrettable that a country and nationals that had enjoyed the greatest affection of Nigerians is now repaying such hospitality with mindless killing and brutality.”
Apart from MTN, some of the South African companies in Nigeria listed for attack by the militants are DSTV and Shoprite, Eskom Nigeria, South African Breweries (SAB Miller), Umgeni Water, Refresh Product, LTA Construction and Protea Hotels.
In February, The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) gave South African companies 48 hours to relocate their businesses. The students demonstrated their disapproval of the Xenophobic attacks that were occurring in South Africa by participating in a peaceful march to MTN in Abuja, this according to Premium Times. The group pleaded with the Federal Government of Nigeria to evacuate Nigerians living in South Africa and possibly sever diplomatic ties with the country before the situation deteriorates further.
According to reports by EWN, MTN head offices in Abuja were vandalized last week and equipment including cellphones were stolen.
Fundi Maseko
