By Precious Akutamadu
Port Harcourt – The Nigerian Community in South Africa says no member was hurt or shops looted during anti-immigrant protest in that country on Friday.
Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Pretoria, South Africa, that they did not receive report on attack against any Nigerian.
“ The union monitored the protests at Pretoria West, Pretoria East and Pretoria Central.
“ Nigerians in these areas adopted protective measures and avoided any confrontation with South Africans.
“ They stayed safe and looked after their homes and businesses. We have not recorded any incident on attack against our people,” he said.
Anyene said, however, that shops belonging to Pakistani`s, Somalis and Ethiopians in Pretoria West were attacked during the protest.
“ Owners of the shops resisted the crowd before the police intervened and stopped further attacks,” he said.
The President also said that on Thursday night, there was massive looting of shops at Atteridgeville area of Pretoria and could not ascertain if Nigerians were affected.
Anyene said the Police did well in responding to attacks against non-citizens.
“ The police did a good job today. They did not allow any looting,” he said.
The President said the union was still monitoring the situation and was in constant touch with the Nigerian mission.
“ We are monitoring the situation as the anti-immigrant protest continues. We are also in regular contact with the High Commission and Consulate.