A socio-political youth group, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), has called on South African authorities to act decisively to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its borders over the recent outbreak of attacks.

The group through its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, also demanded that the perpetrators of the attacks must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay and immediate steps taken to prevent further xenophobic violence.

The umbrella body of youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in condemning the attacks as barbaric and unjustifiable warned that the action posed a big threat to African unity, brotherhood, and shared history.

“We remind our South African brothers and sisters that Nigeria stood firmly with them during their darkest days.

“From diplomatic pressure to material and moral support, Nigerian leaders and citizens including foremost nationalists like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and others played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid and the eventual liberation of South Africa.

“That legacy must not be repaid with hostility and violence. “It is therefore shocking and deeply disappointing that Nigerians, who contributed to the fight for freedom, are now being targeted and treated as enemies.”