Nigerian Consul General in South Africa Malik Abdul called on Nigerians there to exercise restraint, be cautious and avoid high-risk areas as much as possible.
Abdul made the call in a statement made available to the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, while responding to the ongoing violent protests in the Johannesburg and Durban areas of South Africa.
He advised Nigerians to avoid getting caught up in the violent protest as South African police and other law enforcement agencies were working hard to bring the situation under control.
“The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg is watching with concern the developments in the two provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where criminal elements hijacked the demonstration to free former President Jacob Zuma.
“There are reports that a considerable number of shops and establishments in Durban and Johannesburg, including those owned by Nigerian nationals, have been torched, looted and vandalized under the guise of protests.
“It is established that these criminal elements engage in these acts in pursuit of their interest in looting and vandalizing private and public property, and not necessarily in connection with the Zuma case,” he said.
Abdul noted that the violence was condemnable and compassionate with all Nigerians in particular and others who could have suffered any form of loss as a result of the violent protest.
He added that legal means should however be explored to seek redress.
He called on the relevant authorities to prevent the deterioration of the situation and to take proactive measures to prevent further loss of life and property.
In another development, it was reported that the Nigerian Consul General in South Africa received the first COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday.
Abdul praised the South African government’s efforts to ensure that COVID vaccines are available and easily accessible to the general public.
He advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to sign up and get vaccinated against COVID-19 and ignore widespread errors about the vaccine, saying they have no scientific basis.
Abdul stressed that with the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and social cultural activities, it has become necessary for everyone to join in the global fight against the pandemic in an effort to stop the virus on its way. launched. (NAN)
