The Onitsha, Anambra State branch of the South African-owned Shoprite was on Wednesday cordoned off by stern-looking police officers following alleged plot by angry youths to carry out a reprisal attack.

The anger was triggered by a recent xenophobic attack on Nigerians living in South Africa.

The video of the attacks, which went viral on the social media, had earlier led to the attack of South African-owned companies in some other states.

News Expresslearnt that the irate youths stormed the complex in the early hours of the day but could not gain access into the mall because of the quick intervention of security operatives who were alerted immediately by the management.

Following the arrival of security operatives, the management of the shopping mall directed its staff members to leave the mall to forestall any attack even as customers scampered for safety for fear of being caught in the crossfires.

When our correspondent visited the area, the ever busy shopping complex was deserted except for the stern looking security operatives who stopped journalists from taking pictures.

Human and vehicular movements were also restricted.

Some of the irate youths were sighted lurking around as they waited for the slightest opportunity to cause mayhem in the shopping mall.

The telecom (MTN) office in Awka, did not record the usual influx of people going in and out as members of staff were at the close of work on Tuesday directed not to report to office following the report of the xenophobic attack in South Africa on Monday.

An officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We took precaution in view of reprisal attacks on some cities in the country. We are working from home today because the safety of our staff members and customers are important.”