Nigerian High Commission issues urgent safety advisory amid Eastern Cape protest violence

Nigerians in South Africa have been urged to be cautious after violence erupted amid a protest march in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape on Monday. The protest had been against the alleged coronation of a Nigerian king in the city. However the Nigerian High Commission has said it was a cultural event not a coronation.

Nigeria’s High Commission has urged its nationals in South Africa to exercise caution and suspend socio-cultural activities following tensions linked to adisputed cultural event in the Eastern Cape. The High Commission said Nigerians should “be conscious and mindful of personal and individual safety, maintain a low profile at all times,” and “suspend any form of socio-cultural activities forthwith” amid what it described as “palpable tension in the country.” The warning followspublic backlash and protests in KuGompo City(East London), over reports of the alleged coronation of an “Igwe King” by members of the Nigerian community. Protests in the area turned volatile on Monday, with residents and other stakeholders taking to the streets after images and videos of the alleged ceremony circulated online, fuelling outrage and claims that the move was unlawful and disrespectful to local traditional structures.

One of the protesters was allegedly stabbed by a foreign national, leading to vehicles being burned and shops being looted. Vehicles were damaged and shops were looted after one of the protesters was allegedly stabbed by a foreign national. The Nigerian mission has disputed that any coronation took place. “Contrary to the narrative in the public domain, no coronation took place and none intended.” It emphasised that Nigeria “holds the sovereignty, laws, customs, and traditions of the Republic of South Africa and its people in the highest regard,” distancing itself from any suggestion of political or territorial intent.