Protesters in Nigeria attack, vandelise MTN offices – Report

Nigerians protesting the xenophobic attack on some Nigerians in South Africa have attacked and vandalized the head office of MTN in Abuja, according to a Reuters report citing an MTN spokesman. MTN is a South African company.

The spokesman was quoted as saying; “They vandalised equipment, stole customer phones and I-Pads. Some customers too were attacked.”

According to the spokesman, “They are protesting against the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. It’s our regional head office in Abuja. That’s where we have our customer care center.”

Reports out of South Africa this week say, some 20 shops believed to belong to immigrants were looted in the country’s capital, Pretoria, although police refused to say if the attackers were specifically targeting foreigners.

Some South African citizens are known to randomly attack foreigners, often blaming them for the growing unemployment and crime in the country.

On Tuesday, in reaction to the attacks on its citizens, Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The legislators also urged the Executive to recall the country’s ambassador to South Africa ahead of a major anti-Nigerians rally planned for Friday.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi