Illegal settlers attack Nigerian journalists in Saudi Arabia

Illegal settlers known as Takaris yesterday attacked some Nigerian journalists during an unscheduled raid by Saudi officials in their abode.

 

Our correspondent reports that despite threat of deportation by Saudi government, the illegal settlers who are mostly Africans have continued to swindle unsuspecting pilgrims in the holy land. Already, at least 30 pilgrims from Nigeria are reported to have been duped by Takaris.

 

Yesterday, Saudi officials known as “Baladiyya’’ during an unscheduled operation that lasted for several minutes pounced on the illegal settlers, confiscating their wares and other belongings. Daily Trust gathered that the Takaris took out their anger on Nigerian journalists who were taking photographs of the raid.

 

The settlers claimed that many of them left the shores of their African countries because of dwindling economic fortunes.

 

“Look, we have a cat and mouse relationship with the Saudi Askars (police, customs and immigration officials),’’ said a Takari, who simply identified herself as Hadiza.

 

Speaking on the matter, the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Amb. Abubakar Shehu Bunu, said plans are underway to deport all Nigerian illegal settlers in the holy land.

 

“They are disgracing Nigeria as some of them are engaged in heinous acts. After Hajj, we will meet with Saudi and NAPTIP officials on the next line of action,’’ he said.

Daily Trust