NSP condemns Xenophobic attacks in South Africa

THE NIGERIA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY (NSP) CONDEMNS XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy(NSP) is appalled by the recent series of xenophobic attacks of South Africans on foreign nationals living and working in South Africa. The violence started in Durban, South Africa and had extended to some parts of Johannesburg. Although no Nigerian had been reported killed, the NSP is not comfortable with the continuous attacks targeted at foreigners, their homes and businesses.

We are particularly worried about the possibility of a wider spread of this unreasonable violence and wanton destruction as the reports emanating from South Africa are not encouraging. Our hearts go out to those who have lost dear ones and we pray to God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

We prevail on South African government to put an immediate end to this barbaric acts of her nationals.

The NSP demands that there should be full protection for the lives and property of the numerous Nigerians who are in South Africa for various legitimate reasons. A number of Physiotherapists are currently in South Africa for various reasons such as those practising as clinicians as well as those on sabbatical leave, postgraduate and postdoctoral programmes.

We also call on the Nigerian Government to take all necessary steps with the view to evacuating Nigerians should the conflict escalate further. The NSP further advises Nigerians in South Africa to be vigilant and to remain indoors as advised by the Federal Government pending the resolution of the conflict.

We also hope for a permanent and long lasting solution, by the South African Government, to this unfortunate incident as we continue to pray for peace in South Africa and in Africa as a whole.

Thank you.

Signed.

Dr Olumide DADA,

Public Relations Officer,

Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy,

Department of Physiotherapy,

University Health Service,

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Tel: 234-802-337-3247