By Gift Chapi Odekina, Cynthia Alo & Kafayat Kokumo
ABUJA — The House of Representatives yesterday resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, just as the President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, NICASA, Mr Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed that South Africans are beginning to feel the economic consequences of attacks on foreign-owned businesses.
The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Mr Babajimi Benson, who called for a comprehensive assessment of casualties, property destruction and economic losses suffered by Nigerians over the years.
Lawmakers also directed relevant committees to explore avenues for compensation for victims and strengthen diplomatic measures to protect Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Moving the motion, Benson recalled Nigeria’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle, noting that the country committed substantial diplomatic, financial and political resources to South Africa’s liberation.Despite that historic relationship, he lamented that Nigerians living lawfully in South Africa had remained targets of xenophobic violence for nearly two decades.
