The National Association of Nigerian Students has threatened to shut down South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria over the continued attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
The students’ body issued the warning during a press conference on Monday, June 29, while condemning the latest wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerian citizens in the country.
NANS said its position followed several reported attacks on Nigerians, including the recent killing of a Nigerian businessman, identified as Big Joe, who was allegedly shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province.
The association warned that Nigerian students across the country were ready to take action if the attacks continued.
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According to the group, South African businesses worth billions of naira operating in Nigeria could be shut down and occupied unless the violence against Nigerians ends immediately.
“We are watching the countdown to the June 30 deadline, and we are sending a direct, loud message to Pretoria. Nobody has the monopoly on violence.
“If the South African government and their compromised police force continue to watch their citizens hunt, shoot, and loot Nigerian nationals, we will bring down their entire economic infrastructure operating in Nigeria,” the students’ body said.
The warning comes amid renewed concern over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, where incidents of xenophobic violence have repeatedly strained diplomatic relations between both countries.