Men from the Imo State police command have cordoned-off Shoprite Complex in Owerri over rumours of possible attacks on the complex by angry youths.
Punch reports that the management of Shoprite Owerri also shut down the business outfit over the fear of being attacked.
Nigerians have reacting with rage by attacking South African-owned businesses in protest over the killing of Nigerians in South Africa.
Orlando Ikeokwu, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, explained that the police took the action in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.
He said that other businesses owned by South Africans which were in the state were being protected from attacks.
Shoprite in a terse statement said that as a company which has deep African roots and who employs thousands of African nationals and most importantly works to bring low prices to 14 countries outside of South Africa, it would like to see an end to xenophobia across the continent.
“Shoprite appeals to the general public of South Africa and Nigeria to protect the human dignity and safety of all people living in both countries,”.
