ABUJA, NIGERIA – In a fiery session at the Nigerian Senate, Senator Abdul Ningi issued a stern warning to the South African government, stating that Nigeria is prepared to escalate its response to the persistent killings of its citizens in the country.
Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, declared that Nigeria and its African allies “know where South Africa is” and could “take this war to their territory if need be.” His remarks follow a fresh wave of reports regarding xenophobic violence and the targeting of Nigerians abroad.
“Life Has No Duplicate”
Addressing the Senate leadership, Ningi argued that the upper chamber should prioritize the safety of Nigerians above all other legislative business. He expressed deep frustration over what he described as a cycle of lamentation without decisive action.
“We cannot sit down and lament while this is happening; life has no duplicate, and Nigerians are being killed for no reason,” Ningi stated. “If this is the only thing the Senate discusses now, let it be.”
Calls for Reciprocity and Sanctions
The lawmaker emphasized that Nigeria has “alternatives” and “options” beyond diplomacy, suggesting that Pretoria needs to feel the consequences of its failure to protect foreign nationals. The Senate’s tough stance coincides with a broader push by some lawmakers for reciprocal countermeasures against South African interests within Nigeria.
Proposed actions under discussion include the possibility of recalling envoys, downgrading diplomatic engagements, and imposing trade restrictions or sanctions on South African-owned corporations operating in the Nigerian market.
A Direct Message to Pretoria
The Senate has resolved to engage more aggressively with the South African parliament to demand accountability. Ningi’s comments reflect a growing impatience in Abuja, where the government is under increasing pressure to protect its diaspora.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly summoned the South African envoy to register a strong protest, while the Senate continues to deliberate on a formal roadmap for responding to the crisis. For now, the message from the Red Chamber is clear: Nigeria’s patience has reached its limit.
