The House of Representatives has strongly condemned the latest wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa but refused to support a proposal seeking the suspension of diplomatic relations with the country.
Despite continuous guarantees from South African officials, The News Chronicle reports that legislators voiced worry over the ongoing killings, harassment, and persecution of Nigerians and other African people.
The House said that fresh events, including the murders of two Nigerians, have made people wonder about the security of people living and working in the nation.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu counseled caution, saying that a thorough inquiry should be conducted before any significant diplomatic activity is undertaken, even if certain politicians have asked Nigeria to stop diplomatic, commercial, and legislative ties with South Africa. Later, a voice vote defeated the measure.
The Federal Government has also kept its voluntary evacuation plan running, with a fourth Air Peace trip bringing 284 Nigerians home via Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
As efforts continue to help people eager to return home amid security concerns, authorities said the returnees are receiving paperwork and integration assistance.
