Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of
Lagos State, on Wednesday condemned the reprisal attack on some businesses
believed to be owned by South Africans in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu vowed to deal with
troublemakers exploiting the ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in
South Africa to foment trouble in the state.
The governor said he would not
condone violence of any form on innocent residents and businesses in the state
by any person or group.
Nigerianeye had yesterday reported
renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Against this backdrop, some
aggrieved youths had attacked some businesses believed to be owned by South
Africans in Lagos and other states of the country.
However, Sanwo-Olu, who faulted
the reprisal attacks, said such action those not reflect the true identity of
Nigerians.
Sanwo-Olu stated this at the
launch of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Women Fund and
Presentation of Cheques at LTV Blueroof in Ikeja area of the state.
According to Sanwo-Olu: “The
attack in Lagos does not reflect or determines who we are or stand for as Lagosians
and Nigerian.
“We have watched the disturbing
videos of attacks and vandalism against Nigerian nationals and their businesses
in South Africa.
“This precipitated strong
reactions by some Nigerians who chose to vent their anger on investments of
South Africans in Lagos yesterday.
“As a Government, we condemn the
violence visited on innocent people by the hoodlums who attacked Shoprite and
other business interests owned by South Africans in Lagos.
“We cannot attempt to find a
solution to a criminality by committing criminality. This is not part of our
values as Nigerians.
“Therefore, I wish to state
categorically that Lagos will remain safe for all Nigerian citizens and
law-abiding foreign nationals who are here for business.
“We will not condone any act that
can lead to breakdown of law and order.”
Thank you my able governor, although you should have spoken since yesterday
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