The National Association of Nigerian Students has issued an urgent appeal to the Federal Government, calling for immediate intervention to ensure the safety of Nigerian students in South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Vice President for External Affairs of NANS, Aneke Kenechukwu, the student body expressed deep concern over what it described as a “disturbing pattern of hostility and targeted attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other Africans.”
The group warned that the situation poses a serious threat to lives and undermines the principles of African unity and cooperation.
“Nigerian students in South Africa now live in fear and uncertainty.
“As young ambassadors and future leaders of our nation, their protection must be treated as a national emergency,” the statement read.
NANS called on the FG to take swift diplomatic action by engaging the South African authorities to secure firm guarantees for the safety of citizens, especially students.
The association also urged the activation of diplomatic mechanisms to closely monitor developments and ensure that those responsible for xenophobic violence are brought to justice.
The student body further appealed for immediate support measures for affected students, including the “provision of safe shelters, dedicated emergency hotlines, and financial assistance where necessary.
In addition, NANS recommended that the government develop a “coordinated evacuation plan for Nigerian students willing to return home”, noting that such a move would help prevent further exposure to life-threatening risks.
“Diplomacy remains the most responsible path, but it must be proactive, firm, and result-oriented. Nigerian lives must not be left to bureaucratic delay,” the statement added.
The association also called for collaboration between the government, NANS, Nigerian diplomatic missions, and international partners to ensure that no Nigerian student is left vulnerable.
“The time to act is now. Every delay endangers innocent lives,” the statement concluded.
Reports indicate that xenophobic protests have intensified in parts of South Africa, with incidents in Pretoria and other cities where migrants have faced harassment, violence, and threats.
Some accounts suggest that protesters have targeted schools, attempting to block or remove children of foreign nationals from classrooms.
The unrest has already resulted in fatalities, including two Nigerians, prompting concern within the diaspora and renewed calls for government intervention.
While Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa has stated that the situation is under control, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals to respect local laws while reaffirming his government’s commitment to human rights.
By: Gift Habib
