South African consulate shut in Nigeria due to anti-xenophobia protests

To prevent harm being done to officials and workers, South African authorities have ordered the closure of its consulate in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, following an increase in anti-xenophobia protests in the African most populous country, an official said Wednesday.

Several anti-xenophobia protests have been held in Nigeria, particularly Lagos and the Nigerian capital Abuja, since last week, calling on South Africans to halt the attacks on black immigrants in South Africa.

According to Sam Monaisa, South Africa's consul-general in Nigeria, it was most reasonable to close down the consulate till the protests die down.

He further urged South Africans to be vigilant and be at alert for any reprisal attacks.

Some of the protesting groups took their protests to the South African embassy in Abuja and other South African investments in the Nigerian capital. The protesters also threatened to attack South African nationals and businesses in Nigeria, if the attacks did not stop within 72 hours.

As of Sunday, the xenophobic violence sweeping parts of South Africa had already died down as the situation in violence-ravaged areas in Durban and Johannesburg was relatively calm, with no reports of apparent looting and clashes.

Nigeria has a population of over 450,000 in South Africa. To avoid being killed or injured, some Nigerians who live in areas of attacks ran to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria to seek refuge.