Outrage as Senator Bassey Demands Protection for Nigerians Amid South Africa Violence

Senator Aniekan Bassey, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, has strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing them as barbaric, inhumane, and a stain on African unity.

The Senator expressed deep concern over reports of Nigerians being killed and harassed, including the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, allegedly involving South African security operatives. He stressed that such acts of violence against Nigerians and other African nationals are unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
“This is a shameful affront to the spirit of brotherhood that binds Africa together. Nigeria will not stand idly by while her citizens are brutalized and unjustly profiled,” Senator Bassey stated.
He called on the South African government to urgently take concrete steps to protect Nigerians, ensure their safety in schools and business environments, and bring perpetrators of these attacks to justice without delay. He also urged Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify diplomatic engagement, warning that silence and inaction could embolden further aggression.
The attacks have reportedly created widespread fear among Nigerian communities in South Africa, with children afraid to attend school and businesses facing intimidation and looting. The killing of an Ethiopian national in Johannesburg further highlights the broader pattern of xenophobic violence.
Senator Bassey emphasized that the Nigerian Senate will not remain passive while Nigerians abroad are subjected to violence. He advocated for the creation of a Nigeria–South Africa joint safety forum involving diaspora leaders to promote accountability and ensure lasting protection.
“African solidarity must go beyond mere words. It must be demonstrated through action, justice, and respect for human dignity,” he concluded.