The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Dame Paulin Tallen has condemned in its entirety the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other black immigrants in South Africa, saying this is unacceptable.
Dame Tallen stated this yesterday in Abuja during her first conference with the media since assumption of office, expressing disappointment that South Africa will treat a country who has been very supportive to them this way.
Tallen, who also described the attack as heartbreaking, noted that we are all Africans and should rather live in peace with each other as brothers.
“What is happening in South Africa today is heartbreaking and I condemn it totally, it is sad and unacceptable and eapecially considering the role Nigeria played in their freedom. Nigeria has been a big brother to them, has been supportive during the apartheid,” she noted.
The Minister condoled with the families of victims of the attacks, assuring that the Federal government has taken the matter up with all seriousness.
She also appealled to Nigerians to be calm and desist from repraisal attacks, saying that President Mohammadu Buhari is committed to ensuring lasting solutions to the issue.
“I appeal for calm and pray that our brothers in South Africa and all other African countries are safe.
“We should support one another and ensure that all Africans are safe in all African countries because these kind of attacks is not acceptable and I pray it doesnt happen again.
“Mr. President has taken up this matter with all seriousness and has sent an envoy to South Africa to look into the matter. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is on his toes to ensure that Nigerians are safe,” she said.
