Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, has assured that Nigerians in the country are not under siege amid recent xenophobic tensions, stressing that both governments are actively collaborating on safety measures.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Monday, Ajayi said the priority for both Nigerian and South African authorities is to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, including foreigners.

He said, “Let me first make the point that right now Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is currently under control. The governments are working on it.

“The two governments are working on it. Actually, the priority right now is to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen, including foreigners.”

The ambassador’s comments come amid recent anti-foreigner protests and violence in parts of South Africa, including Durban, Cape Town, and East London, where reports emerged of assaults, looting of foreign-owned shops, and calls for immigrants to leave.

Ajayi described the reported incidents as “isolated tension” that requires caution, rather than a widespread or direct attack on Nigerians.

He said, “What we have seen is a kind of isolated tension, and that is why it calls for caution.

“But in terms of direct attack or direct siege on Nigerians, that is not taking place right now.

“There have been some concerns about foreigners, in terms of people targeting foreigners.

“But the government has come out to issue a statement on that, particularly the police commissioner, and cautioned people against targeting foreigners and xenophobic practices.”

The envoy, who spoke from Pretoria, said the situation is relatively calm, adding that Johannesburg is also stable.

“For now, I am particularly in Pretoria right now, and the situation is relatively calm. Also in Johannesburg, it is calm.

“So what we had before was an isolated uprising in KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, which was contained, and which informed the prompt response by the government in terms of issuing that directive to the people. We have also issued some advisories, which call for caution,” he said.

Reacting to a video circulating on social media purportedly showing Nigerians and other foreigners being denied access to a building, Ajayi said those involved do not represent the South African population.

“Those people you are seeing don’t represent the entire South African community. They are just people acting on their paymasters. We have issued a lot of advisories to our people in terms of remaining calm, obeying, and respecting the local laws and customs,” he said.

The federal government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, had earlier issued advisories urging citizens to exercise caution, remain indoors where necessary, and in some cases temporarily shut down businesses. (PUNCH)

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