Hobnob News — Nigerians living in South Africa have raised alarm over renewed xenophobic threats allegedly orchestrated by an anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula.
The group, notorious for its hardline stance against immigrants, has been accused of blocking foreigners from accessing public hospitals, sparking fears of another wave of violence.
In a viral video obtained by Hobnob News, one of the group’s leaders was seen ordering foreigners out of a hospital, declaring:
“If you know yourself that you are not a South African, please stand up right now. Don’t try us because we are going to check everybody.”
Reports indicate that women have been forced to give birth on bare floors outside hospitals, while patients are discharged without treatment due to harassment by the group.
Nigerian Leaders Demand Intervention
Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, described the situation as “another form of xenophobic attack” against foreign nationals.
“We have cried out at this ill-treatment… Imagine a woman giving birth on a bare floor in front of a hospital without antenatal care or assistance of a midwife,” he lamented.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, condemned the harassment and warned that the situation had reached “an alarming level.”
He cited a disturbing case in which a new mother was barred from taking her child for immunisation at a public hospital.
Nwobi noted that Operation Dudula is not a government body but rather a coalition of locals who accuse foreigners of “taking their jobs and services.” He, however, described their actions as “purely illegal” and in violation of South Africa’s constitution.
Calls for Government Action
Nigerian leaders have appealed to both Abuja and Pretoria to intervene diplomatically. They also disclosed that the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa has been alerted and is engaging local authorities.
The African Diaspora Forum is reportedly considering legal action, including filing an injunction at the South African High Court.
Diplomats React
Former Nigerian Consul to Cameroon, Rasheed Akinkuolie, condemned the attacks, calling them “criminal acts rooted in apartheid mindsets.” He questioned why the group targeted Black immigrants while sparing whites.
Similarly, retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, warned that the crisis could spark diplomatic tensions and undermine African unity.
“The onus is on South Africa to provide safety and security for people in their country,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that African Ambassadors in South Africa are in talks with the government to secure a lasting solution.
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