Former NUJ President Calls For Urgent Action As Xenophobic Attacks Resurface In South Africa

A fresh wave of concern has emerged over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa following a strongly worded SOS letter addressed to the President of Nigeria by Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria and Africa Union of Journalists. The letter, which was made available to ValidViewNetwork, calls for urgent and structured government intervention in response to what he describes as escalating and persistent attacks on Nigerians.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Ogundipe begins by framing the crisis as both a humanitarian and constitutional issue, stating that “the recent escalation of targeted violence against Nigerians residing in the Republic of South Africa presents not merely a humanitarian concern, but a direct test of Nigeria’s constitutional and moral obligation to protect its citizens beyond its borders.” He stresses that the situation is not new, warning that “what is unfolding is neither new nor isolated,” but rather “a recurring pattern documented, predictable, and increasingly emboldened by the absence of decisive and sustained consequences.”

Painting a stark picture of the situation, he stated that Nigerians now face “an environment defined by fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability,” adding that “businesses are threatened, livelihoods disrupted, and lives placed at risk in cycles that repeat with disturbing regularity.”

ValidViewNetwork reports that he further described the crisis as having gone beyond temporary unrest, stressing that “this situation has moved beyond episodic xenophobic outbursts” and now reflects “a structural failure of protection.

Calling for a shift in Nigeria’s response strategy, Ogundipe warned that “Nigeria cannot afford to respond in fragments to a recurring crisis.” He linked the issue to national credibility, stating that “when Nigerian citizens are persistently exposed to violence abroad without visible and effective protection, it sends a troubling signal about the reach and resolve of the Nigerian state,” ValidViewNetwork reports.

The letter outlines concrete steps for immediate action. Ogundipe calls for “high level bilateral discussions with the South African government, with clearly defined timelines and outcomes focused on the protection of Nigerian nationals.” He also proposes “a joint Nigeria South Africa mechanism for the protection of citizens, including rapid response protocols in identified hotspots,” alongside firm accountability, insisting on “the identification, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators involved in recent and past attacks, ensuring that impunity is not allowed to persist.”

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Ogundipe further advocated for strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, urging authorities to “reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic and consular presence to provide real time support, coordination, and communication with affected Nigerians,” while also recommending “periodic public briefings” to ensure transparency and public trust. Emphasising the intent of the message, Ogundipe clarifies that “this is not a call for confrontation, but for responsibility,” while underscoring that “the protection of citizens remains one of the most fundamental obligations of any government.”

Highlighting the historical relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, the former NUJ leader notes that both nations share “deep historical ties, rooted in solidarity and mutual support,” but insists that “the current situation demands careful but firm intervention.” He concludes with a powerful reminder that “the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians abroad must not be left to cycles of reaction and silence” and that “a nation’s strength is not only measured by its internal order, but by its willingness and ability to stand for its citizens wherever they may be.”

The letter, which was also copied to key government officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and leaders of the National Assembly, represents a growing demand for decisive action as concerns mount over the safety of Nigerians abroad, ValidViewNetwork reports.