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The Nigerian government has formally raised concerns with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, over the attacks on Nigerians that recently forced the evacuation of some citizens from the country.

ZINGTIE reports that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a special envoy to Abuja in a bid to mend diplomatic relations following repeated attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, by some South Africans.

According to reports, President Bola Tinubu did not receive the South African delegation, instead directing them to meet with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

Speaking during the meeting in Abuja, Enikanolaiye told the delegation that anti-migrant violence in South Africa has resulted in the deaths of at least 98 Nigerians since 2022.

“We have seen a pattern that has become a concern to the Nigerian government,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that he and many other Nigerians were deeply affected by the recent evacuation of citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he added.

In his response, Lamola, who led the South African delegation, acknowledged Nigeria’s role and expressed appreciation.

“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice.”

He further stated that President Ramaphosa and the South African government do not endorse or support violence against immigrants.

Nigeria, alongside several other African countries, recently evacuated some of its citizens from South Africa following renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals.

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