Lawmakers condemn killings, give Foreign Affairs Committee two weeks to recommend diplomatic response.
The Senate has directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and submit its findings within two weeks to guide the Federal Government’s response.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, with lawmakers condemning the attacks that have reportedly claimed the lives of Nigerians and destroyed properties belonging to many others.
During the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi called for Nigeria to consider severing diplomatic ties with South Africa if the attacks persist, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that profits made by South African companies operating in Nigeria be used to compensate victims of the attacks.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged caution, insisting the Senate should await the committee’s report before taking further action. Following his intervention, the chamber agreed to allow the investigation to proceed.
The directive comes amid a fresh wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has prompted Nigeria and other African countries to begin evacuating citizens who no longer feel safe in the country.