Nigerians fight back, confront protesters with guns in South Africa

Following several attacks on Nigerians by South Africans, Nigerians in South Africa have allegedly taken up arms to defend themselves against xenophobic attacks currently going on in the country.

The ongoing alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by South African reportedly taken a new turn on Friday, February 24.

Reports from South Africa claimed that Nigerians have taken up arms in self defense against protesters who are reportedly marching against the continuous stay of Nigerians in the country.

South Africa based pastor and former Nigerian Footballer pastor Idah Peterside reports that there was a stand-off in Pretoria, South Africa as Nigerians have refused to run away from the South Africans who are matching against them.

He tweeted saying:”It’s a stand off in Pritoria,the Nigerians have refused to hide.the South Africans matching are been confronted with.Nigerians carrying guns.”

Recall that the anti-immigrant attacks on Nigerians in South Africa was preceded by a belief that immigrants are taken over job opportunities from citizens of South Africa.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has condemned acts of violence between citizens and non-nationals, his office said on Friday, February 24. The South African commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, has also vowed to end attacks on foreigners.

At least 20 stores in Pretoria owned by foreigners were reported to have been looted on Tuesday, February 21 but the police said it could not confirm that the attacks had deliberately targeted foreigners.