SAN FRANCISCO, September 05, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Kabiru Bala, has insisted that the mission never shut its door against Nigerians who came to register their grievances over the xenophobic attacks in that country.
Mr Bala said this in a telephone conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Pretoria, South Africa.
The high commissioner denied reports that the mission in Pretoria was attacked by Nigerians in South Africa because it did not give them attention.
Mr Bala, who said the story was appalling and wicked, added, “the two missions were never closed. Two groups of Nigerians came to the high commission last week Thursday. They were received by the Acting High Commissioner while I was away.
“They came around 9 p.m. and were received and assured of safety and security. So it was not true that they were turned back.
“Let those who came and were either turned back or found the embassy closed give specific date and time.’’
He said the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg had offered immense assistance to the affected Nigerians in the crisis.
Mr Bala said the mission had started to compile a list of Nigerians affected for engagement with the South African government and other stakeholders.
According to him, all Nigerian victims of the current attacks were requested to come forward to report their situation to the High Commission and the Consulate.
“The two missions will continue to be home to all Nigerians in these trying times and in the future.
“Since the outbreak of the attacks last week, the two missions have remained open and continued to render normal services to Nigerians and other customers without hindrance.
“We appeal to Nigerians to remain calm and avoid any action that may jeopardise efforts to engage the South African government through diplomatic channels to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy.”
“The two missions are currently working alongside all relevant authorities in South Africa, including the police to address the unfortunate situation,” he said.
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