Nigerians living in South Africa have raised concerns over renewed xenophobic threats and harassment allegedly spearheaded by an anti-migrant group known as Operation Dudula.
Community leaders say the group, which claims to be fighting illegal immigration and the alleged takeover of jobs and services by foreigners, has been targeting Nigerian residents and other African nationals in recent weeks. Reports indicate that members of the movement have blocked clinics, confronted immigrants, and denied them access to healthcare.
In one viral video, a leader of the group was seen ordering foreigners out of a public hospital, warning that non-South Africans would be forced to leave. The development has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who say the harassment has reached an alarming level.
The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, Frank Onyekwelu, described the actions as “another form of xenophobic attack.” He recounted disturbing cases, including women giving birth on bare floors outside hospitals without medical care, and patients being discharged without treatment.
“Imagine a woman delivering her baby on a bare floor in front of a hospital without any medical assistance. Some patients are being thrown out without care, even in life-threatening situations. It is tragic,” Onyekwelu lamented.
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Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, condemned the group’s activities, citing a recent case where a nursing mother was barred from immunising her baby at a public clinic. He called for urgent government action, warning that the situation was spiralling out of control.
A retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, also criticised the treatment of foreigners, warning that such actions could damage diplomatic ties and undermine African unity. “This will spark tensions between South Africa and the countries of affected nationals. It is not healthy for inter-African relations,” he said.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that African Ambassadors in South Africa are in talks with Pretoria to secure a lasting solution. Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said efforts are ongoing to ensure the protection of all residents.
Community leaders have urged both Nigerian and South African authorities to step in diplomatically before the situation escalates into widespread violence.
