By Shola Abayomi.
The South Africa High Commission in Nigeria has announced the closure of its offices and consulate following threats of reprisal attacks from Nigerians.
The acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Bobby Moroe, who made the disclosure today while briefing newsmen, said he had directed the Mission to suspend all consular activities until the escalating tension between both countries are doused.
He said, “I directed that the Mission should be closed until the situation improves. We heard that South Africans were being pulled out of vehicles and attacked. We feel unsafe and that is why I directed that the mission should close down until further notice.”
Recall that telecoms giant, MTN yesterday shut down its service centres nationwide following attacks on its facilities in Lagos, Ibadan and Uyo.
Reacting to the development, the Federal Government said it was not aware that the South African government had closed down its High Commission in the country.
This was contained in a statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who briefed State House correspondents in Abuja today.
Onyeama said, “We are not aware that the South African government has closed down its High Commission here in Abuja or its Consulate in Lagos.”