The Nigerian Union in South Africa has urged Nigerians living in the country to remain vigilant and avoid areas where protests and large gatherings are expected ahead of the September 30 demonstrations announced by the March and March Movement.
The union also advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations and ensure that their passports, permits, visas and other immigration documents remained valid and securely kept.
President-General of NUSA, Dr Smart Nwobi, gave the advice in an advisory issued on Saturday and signed by him.
The March and March Movement had announced September 30 as a fresh date for nationwide action relating to undocumented foreign nationals, following its previous demonstrations on June 30.
Nwobi said Nigerians should exercise caution, particularly when travelling through areas identified as potential protest zones.
He said, “NUSA urges all Nigerians and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and safety-conscious.”
He urged Nigerians to comply with lawful instructions from the South African Police Service and other authorised law enforcement agencies, while advising them to keep family members and trusted contacts informed about their movements where necessary.
The NUSA president-general also called on Nigerians to promptly report threats, attacks, intimidation or suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities and, where necessary, to the union’s leadership.
He cautioned Nigerians against responding to provocation with violence, saying such actions could endanger individuals, families and the wider Nigerian community.
Nwobi said, “No Nigerian should take the law into his own hands. We must not respond to provocation with violence or engage in activities capable of putting ourselves, our families or the wider Nigerian community at risk.”
He further urged Nigerians to distinguish between concerns over undocumented immigration and the safety and lawful presence of Nigerians who were properly documented and complied with South African laws.
According to him, NUSA is engaging relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, comprising the Consul General’s Office and the High Commission in Pretoria, as well as appropriate South African authorities.
He said the engagements were aimed at encouraging vigilance, protecting lives and property and promoting a peaceful resolution of concerns.
Nwobi also urged the Nigerian Mission to continue its diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to prevent violence and protect the lives and property of Nigerians living in the country.
He said, “We urge the Nigerian Mission not to relent in its efforts to engage the South African authorities and utilise every diplomatic means available to prevent violence, protect Nigerian lives and property, and ensure that the rights of Nigerians living lawfully in South Africa are respected.”
The union also warned Nigerians against spreading unverified information, including videos, voice notes and messages capable of creating panic.
NUSA said it would continue to monitor developments and provide further guidance where necessary.
Meanwhile, the South African police on Saturday found another body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, bringing to 10 the number of women found dead in the municipality over the past two months.
The discovery adds to growing concern over violence against women in a country long plagued by violent crime, while police work to establish whether the killings are connected.
The body was found in Tembisa Township, police said, without providing further details.
“At this stage, we can only confirm the discovery of the body. Crime scene management and all the necessary role players are currently on the scene,” police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili said.
According to local television station eNCA, the semi-naked body was found at a cemetery.
The nine other victims were mostly in their 20s and 30s, with some found stripped of their clothes and showing signs of sexual assault.
The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found naked and bound with cable ties on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later.
Two other suspects, women aged 31 and 38, were arrested in connection with the ninth victim and charged on Monday.
Police have said that the case may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter.
PUNCH Online reports that gender-based violence is endemic in South Africa despite years of government pledges to tackle the problem and the declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster.
