The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to shutter all South African-owned businesses currently operating within Nigeria. This declaration followed a press conference held on Monday regarding the ongoing xenophobic violence directed at Nigerians living in South Africa.
NANS officials emphasized that their patience has reached its limit following recent incidents, including the high-profile murder of a merchant known as Big Joe in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province. The group stated that they have mobilized students to disrupt these operations if the fatal attacks against Nigerian citizens do not cease.
Setting a deadline of June 30, the student body warned the South African government that retaliation is imminent. They asserted that if authorities in Pretoria and local law enforcement continue to allow the targeting and looting of Nigerian nationals, NANS intends to dismantle South African economic assets throughout Nigeria. The organization reiterated that violence is not a tool exclusive to any single group.
