The National Association of Nigerian Students has made a passionate and urgent call to the Federal Government, asking for immediate action to protect Nigerian students amid rising xenophobic tensions in the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Vice President for External Affairs of NANS, Aneke Kenechukwu, expressed deep worry over what he described as a troubling wave of hostility and targeted attacks against foreign nationals, especially Nigerians and other Africans.
He warned that the situation is becoming dangerous, threatening lives and weakening the spirit of unity that should exist across the African continent.
According to the statement, many Nigerian students now live in fear and uncertainty, unsure of what the next day may bring.
Describing them as young ambassadors and future leaders of Nigeria, NANS stressed that their safety must be treated as a national emergency that cannot be ignored.
The association urged the Federal Government to act quickly by engaging South African authorities through strong diplomatic channels, with the aim of securing clear and firm assurances for the protection of Nigerian citizens, particularly students.
It also called for active monitoring of the situation and insisted that those responsible for xenophobic attacks must be identified and brought to justice.
Beyond words, NANS appealed for immediate support for affected students, including safe accommodation, emergency hotlines, and financial assistance where needed.
The group further advised the government to consider putting together a coordinated evacuation plan for students who wish to return home, noting that such a move could save lives and reduce exposure to danger.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, NANS stated that diplomacy must be proactive, firm, and result driven, adding that Nigerian lives should never be delayed by slow processes.
The association also called for stronger collaboration between the government, student bodies, Nigerian missions abroad, and international partners to ensure that no Nigerian student is left unprotected.
The warning comes amid reports that xenophobic protests have intensified in parts of South Africa, including Pretoria and other cities, where migrants have reportedly faced harassment, threats, and violence.
Some accounts suggest that even schools have been affected, with attempts made to prevent children of foreign nationals from attending classes.
The unrest has already claimed lives, including those of two Nigerians, raising serious concerns within the diaspora and increasing pressure for swift government intervention.
While Nigeria’s acting ambassador to South Africa has assured that the situation is under control, Cyril Ramaphosa has called on foreign nationals to obey local laws, while also reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting human rights.
