Nigerian Union in South Africa Decries Latest Assault on Citizens

On Apr 28, 2025

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has strongly condemned the recent brutal assault on seven Nigerians and the abduction of one Ani Silas, which occurred on Thursday in Springs, Gauteng Province.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NUSA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, revealed that Silas was beaten unconscious and forcibly removed from his workplace by an employee of a television station.

According to the statement, the attacker was accompanied by members of his media team, private security personnel, and officers from 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 organization representing Nigerians in South Africa has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ani Silas by 12 noon on Tuesday.

The group also demanded full accountability for those responsible for his assault and abduction, including the immediate arrest and suspension of the South African Police Services (SAPS) officers who allegedly failed to prevent the incident.

Additionally, NUSA called for a formal investigation and the prosecution of the assailant and all accomplices, citing a disturbing pattern of violent, xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals.

The union further demanded a public commitment from South African authorities to uphold the rights of all foreign nationals, in accordance with the South African Constitution and international human rights conventions. The statement also emphasized that South African law, particularly the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 13 of 2013, prohibits acts of torture, assault, and kidnapping.

The statement quoted NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and maintain peace during this critical period.

“We are engaging with the Nigerian government’s foreign missions in South Africa, international human rights organizations, and the African Union over this serious matter,” Nwobi stated.

He warned that if NUSA’s demands were not met by the deadline, the Nigerian community in Springs would stage a peaceful occupation of the local police station. Nwobi also affirmed that the union would explore all available legal channels to seek justice for Silas and other victims of the attack.

NAN/Oluchi