Police strengthen security in Enugu to prevent attacks on SA businesses

The Enugu police command has strengthened security in the state over possible reprisal attacks by residents on South African-owned businesses.

Ebere Amaraizu, the command’s public relations officer, said the force has increased patrol in the state, especially within Enugu metropolis.

Amaraizu said the command has also deployed more policemen in locations where South African-owned businesses exist in the state.

“The increased patrols and deployment to strategic locations of some businesses is to ensure that nothing untoward happens,” he said.

“The command is also appealing to residents not to take the law into their hands.

“But we expect that all will be law-abiding even as the federal government is currently doing something on the development.”

The spokesman appealed to residents, saying those working for South Africans in the state are their kin.

There has been increased police personnel and covert security personnel deployed in Shoprite mall along Enugu-Abakaliki Road; MTN office in Zik Avenue and MultiChoice office along Ogui road.

On Tuesday, protests were recorded in some states in the country. The violence against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa had sparked nationwide outrage.

In Lagos, protesters targeted Shoprite, MTN, and other South Africa-owned businesses. Similar attacks were also recorded in Akwa Ibom and Oyo state.

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, had discouraged Nigerians from reprisal attacks, saying most South African businesses in the country are being run by Nigerians.