XENOPHOBIA: Recall Nigerian Ambassador for consultation – JAHTIM

The Journalists Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration (JAHTIM) condemned Xenophobic

attack on Nigerians living in South Africa. The group urge authorities in both countries to recall there
Ambassador for consultation.
JAHTIM also call on Nigerian Government to take all necessary steps to ensure Nigerians are not
expose to similar attack wherever they live all over the world.
We at JAHTIM regard incessant xenophobic attacks on Nigerians resident in South Africa as
exhibition of hatred for Nigerians and other black migrants in that country. We urge the Federal
Government to ensure thorough investigations is carried out to unravel the remote and immediate
causes of regular Xenophobic attack on Nigerians who engages in legitimate business in South Africa
and ensure culprits are brought to justice.
JAHTIM fully understand the reactions of Nigerian youths to the audio-visuals emanated from South
Africa but condemn the use of violence or looting to protest or retaliate for the crimes committed by
few South African nationals. The so-called South African businesses looted and burnt in Nigeria are,
in most cases 80 percent owned by Nigerians. We condemn reprisal attack that jeopardize billions of
naira investment by Nigerians and, or have negative effect on jobs of thousands of Nigerians.
We believe the Federal Government led by President Muhammad’s Buhari’s has taken the right
steps by summoning South African High Commissioner in Nigeria and went ahead to send a Special
Envoy to South Africa to show seriousness attached to the development. But, JAHTIM urge both
government to call for a multilateral investigation of the ugly incident in South Africa under the
auspices of African Union.
All arrested suspects including Police officers that backed the suspects must be made to face judicial
process and offenders must be brought to justice. The Nigerian Police Force through the Federal
Government of Nigeria need to initiate collaboration with there South African counterparts on how
to curb crimes (largely drug trafficking, fraud and gang related crimes) which were alleged to be the
genesis of hatred between Nigerians in South Africa and their host.
JAHTIM suggest that if there is no extradition agreement in place between Nigeria and South Africa,
it is high time both government initiate one. Both countries should recall their High Commissioner
for consultation at home.