From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has condemned xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa
The monarch described the attacks as appalling.
The monarch said this when he received acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who visited him in his palace in Benin, Edo State capital, on Monday.
Oba Ewuare II said the attack on Nigerians in in South Africa negates the spirit of brotherliness and such could not promote peace in the African continent.
According to him, Nigeria has on several occasions demonstrated love and care for other Africa countries, including South Africa and added that it would be appalling for the country to have forgotten such show of support and result to xenophobic attack on Nigerians in that country.
“We have heard about the xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa. And we feel very appalled by it.
“Having served in southern African countries myself, Angola, specifically, I am aware of the contributions Nigeria made to southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Angola, even Namibia.
“I am also aware of the roles we played in these two countries, South Africa and Angola in their anti-apartheid efforts, all the activities Nigeria have to put up with. To be rewarded by xenophobic attack on our people, is heartbreaking, your excellency.
“It seemed as if some of these youths in South Africa have not been well educated to know their history; that Nigeria has been a strong big brother and backbone behind their success in the fight against apartheid…”
The monarch said he was delighted with the steps taken by the federal government since the recent incidence began and noted that machinery should be put in place to end such attacks on Nigerians and should there be conflict, both countries should fashion ways of resolving it instead of attacking Nigerians.
“We cannot keep having a repetition of these attacks. The recent one is bad and it is unbecoming for South Africa to treat us like that,” he said.