Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa as ‘reckless’.
Speaking with journalists in Kano on Tuesday, Prof. Osinbajo said he was disappointed because Nigeria ‘invested a great deal’ in ending apartheid in South Africa, yet Nigerians resident in the country are being attacked.
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He said: “Let me say first that these recent attacks are condemnable. It is very sad and very unfortunate that the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in South Africa are once again being destroyed with such wantonness and with such carelessness and recklessness.
“It is unfortunate because Nigeria and Nigerians invested a great deal in the pulling down of apartheid. Besides, these acts of bigotry are entirely contrary to the very ideals that all the great South African leaders, including the present President fought for, and for which many gave their lives.
“Mr President has already spoken about this, and obviously we are very concerned and certainly intend to take this up with the authorities in South Africa in order to ensure that this sort of thing does not repeat itself. This is absolutely unacceptable and unconscionable.”
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President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a special envoy to President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to express his displeasure at the attacks and find a solution.
