By Ebi Kesiena
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has strongly condemned a fresh wave of violence targeting Nigerians, following the brutal assault of seven individuals and the kidnapping of one Ani Silas on Thursday in Springs, Gauteng Province.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of NUSA revealed that Silas was beaten unconscious and forcibly abducted from his workplace by a staff member of a local television station. The assailant was reportedly accompanied by a team comprising media personnel, private security operatives, and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Prevention Unit attached to the Springs SAPS station.
“Numerous witnesses observed the unprovoked attack and abduction, and we have secured video evidence showing SAPS officers standing idly by as this heinous act was committed,” the union stated.
NUSA described the conduct of the law enforcement officers as a gross dereliction of duty, raising serious concerns about potential complicity in what it termed multiple criminal offences under South African law.
Despite extensive searches through hospitals, morgues, and police stations across Gauteng Province, Silas remains missing. A formal case of kidnapping (Case Number: 508/4/2025) has been opened at the Springs SAPS station. The union further disclosed that the matter has since been escalated to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation.
NUSA, the umbrella body representing Nigerians in South Africa, has issued a stern ultimatum, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Silas by 12 noon on Tuesday. The union also called for full accountability, including the arrest and suspension of the SAPS officers who failed in their duty to protect civilians, as well as the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the assault and abduction.
Highlighting a recurring pattern of violent xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals, NUSA demanded a comprehensive investigation and firm assurances from South African authorities to guarantee the protection of foreign nationals, in accordance with the South African Constitution and international human rights conventions.
The union reminded all parties that South African law, particularly the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 13 of 2013, explicitly prohibits acts of torture, assault, and kidnapping.
NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, urged all Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant yet peaceful during this critical period.
“We are actively engaging with Nigeria’s foreign missions in South Africa, international human rights organisations, and the African Union to ensure justice is served,” Nwobi stated.
He warned that if NUSA’s demands are not met by the deadline, Nigerians in Springs have resolved to peacefully occupy the Springs police station. He further assured that the union would exhaust all available legal avenues to secure justice for Silas and other victims of similar attacks.
