Nigeria’s high commission in South Africa has urged its citizens to be cautious following an anti-illegal immigration protest in Eastern Cape province that turned violent.
The protest was sparked by the recognition of a Nigerian community leader, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, as the “Eze Ndi Igbo East London”, which some South Africans saw as an attempt to grab political power.
The march, organized by civil society groups and political parties, turned violent after a protester claimed to have been attacked by a foreigner, leading to damage to vehicles and shops.
The Nigerian high commission has advised its citizens to limit movement and avoid public gatherings while tensions remain high.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of xenophobia in South Africa, with anti-migrant sentiment becoming a key political talking-point.
