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Reps seek tough sanctions against S’Africa as 282 Nigerians return

Published

3 months ago

July 10, 2026

The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to impose strong diplomatic measures against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings and the alleged systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the country.

This comes as 282 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, from South Africa, in the fourth evacuation flight operated by Air Peace.

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Kimiebi Ebienfa, 282 Nigerians, including 12 infants, arrived aboard an Air Peace flight at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The House resolution for strong diplomatic measures followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi.

The motion received unanimous support during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Moving the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent in the face of repeated attacks on its citizens despite years of diplomatic engagements with South Africa.

He said, “The House is aware that the Republic of South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated waves of xenophobic violence directed against Nigerians and other African nationals, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear.”

He added, “Recent reports indicate a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa.”

The lawmaker further stated that, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the recent killing of two Nigerian citizens, including one who reportedly died while in police custody and another who was brutally murdered in front of his business premises.”

According to him, “These tragic incidents have once again exposed Nigerians and other Africans to grave danger despite repeated diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa.”

Recalling Nigeria’s leading role in the struggle against apartheid, Gagdi said the treatment being meted out to Nigerians in South Africa was both unfortunate and unacceptable.

According to him, “Nigeria was one of the foremost nations that stood firmly against apartheid through diplomatic leadership, huge financial support, humanitarian assistance and sustained political pressure that contributed immensely to the liberation of South Africa.

“Thousands of Nigerians made sacrifices, while successive Nigerian governments committed enormous national resources in support of the anti-apartheid struggle, believing in the ideals of African solidarity, justice and freedom.

“It is, therefore, profoundly disturbing that Nigerians and other Africans now face persecution, humiliation and violent attacks in a country whose freedom they helped secure.”

He expressed concern that “Xenophobic violence has become recurrent, systematic and increasingly deadly.”

He noted that, “The repeated attacks have continued despite previous assurances by the Government of South Africa that adequate measures would be taken to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals.”

He further lamented that, “Innocent Africans continue to lose their lives while criminal perpetrators often escape justice, thereby encouraging impunity.”

Gagdi also criticised comments allegedly made by a South African junior minister, saying, “Any inflammatory or hateful public statement capable of inciting hostility against Nigerians or other African nationals as presented by the South African Junior Minister is irresponsible, unacceptable and capable of aggravating an already volatile security situation.”

He warned that, “The continued attacks undermine the ideals of African unity, pan-Africanism, regional integration and peaceful coexistence upon which the African Union was founded.”

The lawmaker further cautioned that failure to decisively address the recurring attacks could further endanger the lives and property of Nigerians in South Africa, adding that the continued inaction of the South African government “may embolden perpetrators and weaken confidence in regional institutions established to protect African citizens.”

Contributing to the debate, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South Africa to halt the attacks.

“Some measures must be taken to address this problem. We are worried that despite the engagement between our government and that of South Africa, the xenophobic attacks have continued, with the South African security architecture looking away.

“The blood of our innocent citizens is in the hands of these security personnel,” he said.

Lagos lawmaker, Moshood Akiolu, recalled Nigeria’s sacrifices during the anti-apartheid struggle.

“The money we spent to put an end to apartheid could have been used for something else,” he said, while calling on the National Assembly to invite officials of the South African High Commission in Nigeria to explain measures being taken to protect Nigerians.

Also speaking, Ghali Tijjani from Kano advocated tougher measures against Pretoria.

“The attacks against Nigerians did not start today. We cannot keep maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with a country that is doing nothing to stop the killing of Nigerians in its territory,” he said.

Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, called for legal redress and support for affected Nigerians.

“There must be a way to address the injustice being done to our people. We must seek the help of international law to seek redress.

“We must also find a way to assist them to start life again because to begin afresh will not be easy for most of them,” he said.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to “provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the recent killings and to clearly communicate the official position of the Government of South Africa on the protection of Nigerians and other African nationals.”

The lawmakers also called for “an independent, transparent, impartial and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of the affected Nigerians and all other African victims, with a view to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, prosecuted and punished.”

The House further urged the Federal Government to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure accountability and the protection of African migrants in South Africa.

It also asked the Federal Government to invoke all available diplomatic and legal mechanisms to seek redress for proven violations of international obligations owed to Nigerians, including pursuing appropriate international judicial processes where necessary.

In addition, the House urged the government to review bilateral relations with South Africa and, where necessary, suspend or recalibrate aspects of cooperation until “credible, measurable and verifiable guarantees” are provided for the protection of Nigerians and other African nationals.

It also called for strengthened consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration support for Nigerians who choose to return home.

The House resolved to constitute an ad hoc committee to engage the South African Parliament, the South African Government, the African Union and other relevant institutions, investigate the recurring attacks and report back within 21 days.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have remained a recurring source of diplomatic tension between Abuja and Pretoria for more than a decade.

Major outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019 claimed several lives and led to the destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

While South African authorities have repeatedly condemned the violence and promised greater protection for migrants, concerns have persisted over the safety of foreign nationals and the prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

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Anambra Archbishop donates relief items to inmates

Published

5 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has celebrated his 73rd birthday with inmates at the National Correctional Centre in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Okeke said the annual gesture was a way of showing love to the inmates, giving them a sense of belonging and expressing gratitude to God.

In his homily, titled ‘Necessity of Giving Thanks’, delivered at the correctional centre on Tuesday in the presence of inmates and other dignitaries, the archbishop said thanksgiving and gratitude to God were necessities.

He explained that thanksgiving was a virtue that made a person great before God, adding that the more one gave thanks, the more one was blessed by God.

The cleric urged the faithful to cultivate the habit of thanksgiving to attract God’s blessings, describing it as man’s greatest weapon of prayer because it helped people receive more from God.

He also urged the inmates to put their faith in God, pray and remain hopeful for a better future. He said their stay at the correctional centre could serve as a spiritual retreat to strengthen their faith and possibly save them from death or other permanently worse life conditions.

Anambra — Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, with others on his 73rd birthday. Photo: Ikenna Obianeri

He said, “When you see yourself in prison and think you are being punished, you are not right. What brought you inside the prison could have taken your life. Most times, we consider what God did not give us, but do not consider the ones He has done for us.

“Thanksgiving is a virtue that makes a man great before God. The more you give thanks, the more you are blessed by God. Thanksgiving is our greatest weapon of prayer, because it helps us to receive more from God.

“The highest form of prayer is to give thanks to God Almighty. It’s more blessed to give than to received.”

The prelate also urged the faithful to share with others, saying one of the best ways to thank God for His blessings was to share them with others.

Okeke presented the inmates with food and other relief items, including live cows, bags of rice, toiletries, clothing, detergents and other materials.

He said, “We are happy that the number of inmates in the Correctional Centre is reducing. It is an indication that there is a reduction in the crime rate in the society.

“We pray that the dream of the Federal Government in changing Nigerian Prison Service to Nigerian Correctional Service will be realised,” the cleric added.

Also speaking during the Mass, the Chaplain of St. Maximilian Golbe Chaplaincy, Onitsha Custodial Centre, Reverend Father Batho Okpalaugo, congratulated the archbishop on his 73rd birthday and wished him more fruitful years.

Okpalaugo noted that for the past 20 years, the archbishop had made it an annual ritual to celebrate his birthdays with inmates, giving them gifts and words of encouragement.

He also thanked Okeke for helping to make the custodial centre a place of happiness by ensuring the establishment of primary and secondary schools, an Open University and a skills acquisition centre, enabling inmates to earn certificates and acquire skills while in custody.

Speaking to journalists after the homily, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Eric Anyamele, praised Okeke for the gesture towards the inmates.

Anyamele said everybody was proud of the priest because of the enormous transformation he had brought to the custodial centre, adding that other religious leaders should emulate such gestures.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Aghamba, also praised Okeke for his devotion to the gospel and humility.

The Nigerian Correctional Service is responsible for the safe custody, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. Educational programmes and skills acquisition initiatives in custodial centres are aimed at equipping inmates with knowledge and practical skills to support their reintegration after release.

Aghamba urged the inmates to take advantage of the transformations introduced by the archbishop to improve their lives.

He also assured them that his ministry would partner with Okeke and the correctional centre in efforts to transform the inmates.

Source: punchng.com

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Auto crash claims two lives in Kano

Published

6 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano Sector Command, has confirmed the death of two persons following a fatal road traffic crash involving two vehicles along the Kano-Zaria Road at Dangi Underpass.

The Sector Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday night.

The statement said the accident which occurred at 17:50 hours, involved a Howo tipper truck fully loaded with bitumen , and a Mercedes-Benz C10 adding a total of four male adults were involved in the crash, with two persons confirmed dead.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved a Howo tipper truck with registration number RMG 332 XA, fully loaded with bitumen, and a Mercedes-Benz C180 with registration number ABJ 783 GB. A total of four male adults were involved in the crash, with two persons confirmed dead,” the statement said.

It added that the crash was reportedly caused by brake failure in the fully loaded tipper truck, resulting in a loss of control. The truck subsequently slid backwards and collided with the vehicle behind it, leading to the fatal incident.

According to the statement, the FRSC rescue personnel and other emergency responders took the victims to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, the Kano Sector Commander, Corps Commander Idris Lawal, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls. He also urged the affected families to find the strength to bear the loss.

The Sector Commander warned motorists, transport unions, construction companies, and other fleet operators against neglecting proper vehicle maintenance, particularly the inspection and servicing of critical components such as braking systems and tyres.

He further emphasised the importance of defensive driving, urging motorists to maintain safe following distances, remain alert to changing road conditions, and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before every journey.

He stressed that regular vehicle maintenance, responsible driving, and strict compliance with road safety regulations remain essential to preventing avoidable road traffic crashes and saving lives.

The Sector Command therefore called on all road users to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others by adopting safe driving practices and ensuring that their vehicles are mechanically sound at all times.

Source: punchng.com

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Ogun steps up Ebola surveillance, traces 111 travellers after Abuja case

Published

6 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Ogun State Government has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures following the Federal Government’s announcement of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, assuring residents that no case had been recorded in the state as of October 21, 2026.

The government urged residents to remain vigilant, observe preventive measures and avoid panic or the spread of unverified information.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that Ogun had been on heightened alert since the declaration of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in March 2026.

Coker said about 111 persons of interest, comprising passengers from high-risk countries, had been identified, monitored and subsequently discharged from follow-up after completing the required surveillance period.

The commissioner said, “The state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is also coordinating preparedness and response activities to ensure the prompt identification, reporting and management of any suspected case’

“The government has strengthened the capacity of Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, port health officers, health educators, clinicians and community informants through training on appropriate response procedures.

“Relevant national guidelines, protocols and resource materials have been adapted and deployed to guide the state’s response, while public sensitisation and infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities were being intensified.”

She urged residents to remain calm and obtain information from official public health authorities.

Coker explained that Ebola is a serious disease that can cause severe illness and death, noting that its early symptoms may resemble those of other common illnesses.

She listed the symptoms to include fever, severe weakness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may also occur in some cases.

According to her, symptoms can develop between two and 21 days after exposure. She stressed, however, that experiencing these symptoms does not automatically mean a person has Ebola, although prompt professional assessment is essential, particularly where there has been possible exposure or travel to a high-risk area.

The commissioner explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, the body of someone who has died from the disease, or materials contaminated with such fluids.

She advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable.

Residents were also cautioned against contact with the blood and body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease and sharing needles, razors or other items that could be contaminated.

Coker urged anyone who might have been exposed to Ebola to contact public health authorities promptly without waiting for symptoms to develop.

She further advised anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility to enable safe referral to an appropriate medical centre.

The commissioner also called on residents to cooperate with surveillance and follow-up teams, provide accurate information when contacted by public health officials and comply with the guidance issued.

She warned against touching the bodies of people who die from suspected or confirmed Ebola, stressing that safe and dignified burials must be handled by trained teams.

Coker also cautioned against rumours, discrimination and stigmatisation, urging residents to share only information from verified public health sources.

She said the Ogun State Government would continue to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other relevant partners to monitor developments and implement appropriate measures to protect public health.

The commissioner called on healthcare workers in public and private facilities to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control protocols and immediately notify the state surveillance team through the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in their respective local government areas.

She provided the contact number of the State Epidemiologist as 08084250881 and the NCDC toll-free line as 6232 for reporting suspected cases and obtaining public health guidance.

Coker emphasised that early detection, timely reporting and cooperation among residents, healthcare workers and public health authorities were essential to preventing the spread of the disease.

Source: punchng.com

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