NUSA - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Sun, 2025

NUSA condemns another attack on 7 Nigerians in South Africa

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By Mufutau Ojo

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has condemned another brutal attack on seven Nigerians and the kidnapping of one Ani Silas on Thursday in Springs, Gauteng Province.

Akindele Olunloyo, the National Publicity Secretary of NUSA, said in a statement on Sunday that Silas was beaten unconscious and forcibly taken from his workplace by a member of staff of a television station.

The statement said the assailant was accompanied by his media team, private security personnel and members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Crime Prevention Unit attached to the Springs SAPS Station.

” Numerous onlookers witnessed the unprovoked attack and abduction, and NUSA has obtained video

evidence showing SAPS officers standing by while this heinous act was committed,” NUSA said.

It said the behaviour by law enforcement officials represented a severe dereliction of duty and suggested potential complicity in what constituted multiple criminal offences under South African law.

“Despite extensive searches of morgues, hospitals, and police stations throughout Gauteng Province, Mr Silas remains missing.

“A formal kidnapping case (Case Number: 508/4/2025) has been registered at the Springs SAPS station.

“NUSA leadership has been informed that the matter has been transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID),” it said.

The apex body of Nigerians in South Africa demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Silas on Tuesday at 12 noon.

The group also asked for full accountability for all those involved in his assault and abduction, including the

immediate arrest and suspension of the SAPS officers who failed to prevent the alleged attack.

It further demanded a formal investigation and arrest of the assailant and accomplices for their recurring pattern of violent xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals.

NUSA also demanded public assurance from the South African authorities that the rights of all foreign nationals will be protected as guaranteed by the South African Constitution and international human rights conventions.

The statement reminded all parties involved that South African law explicitly prohibited acts of torture, assault, and kidnapping under the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 13 of 2013.

It qouted NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, as calling on all Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and peaceful during this critical time.

“We are in communication with the Nigerian government’s foreign Missions in South Africa, international human rights organisations and the African Union regarding this grave matter,” Nwobi said.

He said should the demands of NUSA not be met by the specified deadline, the Nigerian community in Springs had resolved to peacefully occupy the Springs police station.

Nwobi added that the union would pursue all available legal avenues to

secure justice for Silas and other victims of the attack.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigerian Union in South Africa seeks transparent probe of doctor’s death

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Mon, 2025

Foreign

Nigerian Union in South Africa seeks transparent probe of doctor’s death

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By Mufutau Ojo

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called for a transparent investigation into the death of Dr Francis Idika, a Medical Manager at the Vryheid Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.

NUSA made the call in a statement on Monday after its officials visited the widow of the deceased in Pretoria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idika, who served the Vryheid community for 18 years, was found dead on March 30.

NAN reports that the deceased is survived by a wife and two children.

NUSA, in the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Akindele Olunloye, rejected claims by the hospital authorities that Idika committed suicide.

It demanded accountability from the South African authorities regarding the true circumstances surrounding Idika’s death.

The statement, however, said NUSA would collaborate with South African National Civic Organisation, Public Servants Association of South Africa and

the Nigerian Doctors Forum of South Africa on the matter.

It also said Nigerian government

Missions in South Africa would be involved to ensure that the systemic abuse of Nigerian professionals was dealt with.

NUSA, in the statement, further claimed that it had unveiled “a troubling pattern of harassment and mistreatment directed at Dr Idika before his death.”

“Dr Idika endured years of

victimisation, wrongful disciplinary actions, and abuse at the hands of certain managers at Vryheid Hospital.

“We demand justice for the late Dr Idika who served the Vryheid community with commitment for 18 years.

” Before his death, he was harassed multiple times.

” At one point in December 2024, he was humiliated out of his apartment.

” His things were found in a separate room, with his personal belongings scattered all over,” it said.

The apex body of Nigerians in South Africa requested that the Department of Health should provide support for his family in this time of grief.

It also demanded that the department retracts its statement on SABC and eNews that he allegedly committed suicide.

” The report of the post-mortem states that he died of natural causes.

” We are certain from our assessment of this case that Dr Idika died of frustration from the continuous bullying, pressure, and gross abuse from

the hospital management,” the union said.

The body demanded an immediate forensic, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Idika’s death.

It also called for accountability for those responsible for the alleged bullying and harassment of Idika.

NUSA, in the statement, further called for a review of policies protecting foreign professionals working in South African institutions.

According to the statement, NUSA will continue to ensure that justice is served and that no other Nigerian professional in South Africa suffers a similar fate.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NUSA remains voice of Nigerians in South Africa– Nwobi

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Sun, 2025

Foreign

NUSA remains voice of Nigerians in South Africa– Nwobi

290 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo

Mr Smart Nwobi, the newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), says the body will remain the voice of Nigerians in that country.

Nwobi said this in Sandton, Johannesburg, at the inauguration of new executives of NUSA

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the swearing-in of a 13-member national executive team and the launch of The Migrant Magazine.

The event had as theme: “Uniting Nigerians in South Africa.”

Nwobi, in his inaugural address as the newly elected President of NUSA, emphasised the Union’s unwavering commitment to being the voice of all Nigerians living in South Africa.

“This administration is dedicated to promoting unity among our

diverse Nigerian community in South Africa.

“We will focus on supporting growth in trade and commerce while fostering stronger relationships between Nigerians and South Africans,” Nwobi said.

NAN reports that the ceremony featured the official launch of The Migrant Magazine, a significant milestone for the Nigerian community.

Akindele Olunloyo, the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine and National Publicity Secretary of NUSA, shared insights on the publication’s mission at the forum.

“The magazine was launched to bridge Nigerian migrants’ heritage with their South African presence, thereby creating space for dialogue and community building.

“It documents our migrant experiences with dignity and authenticity,” he said.

Dr Sule Bassi, Secretary of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission represented Abike Dabiri-Erewa, its Chief Executive, at the event.

Bassi, in a goodwill message, highlighted the various opportunities available for Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute to national development in Nigeria.

The event was attended by dignitaries and community leaders from across

South Africa, underscoring the rising influence and importance of NUSA in South Africa.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz