Olamide Martins
An NGO, Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has condemned the recent attacks on Nigerian businesses in Mozambique and called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene.
Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, Founder and Executive Director of the group made the call in a statement he issued on Monday in Abuja.
Ezeanyaeche also urged the FG to protect the interests of Nigerians living in the country and other countries that may be going through the same challenge.
He said that the call had become necessary following the recent outbreak of political rioting in Mozambique, which resulted in the vandalisation and looting of several Nigerian-owned businesses.
He described the attacks as “unprovoked and unjustifiable” and called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to protect the Nigerians living in Mozambique.
According to him, the rioting provided an opportunity for some criminal elements to attack and loot Nigerian businesses, with the total value of the stolen items yet to be ascertained.
“We learnt that this riot has been going on for two months now, but it has taken a different dimension because we got information on another serious riots sheduled to hold from Tuesday, Dec. 3 to Friday, Dec. 6.
“We learnt that another riot will take place after the scheduled one in Mozambique, and Nigerian businesses are the targets.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria needs to take urgent action to address the situation.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms and watch as our citizens are attacked and their businesses are destroyed.
“We urge the FG to take immediate action to protect the interests of Nigerians living abroad.
“We also urge the government at all levels to intervene and ensure that adequate measures are taken to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” he said.
Ezeanyaeche also emphasised the need for the government to take steps to protect the businesses and interests of Nigerians living abroad, particularly in countries where they were vulnerable to attacks and harassment.
“The organisation is also calling on the United Nations and other international organisations to intervene in the matter and ensure that justice is served,”he said.
It was gathered that the attacks on Nigerian businesses in Mozambique have sparked widespread condemnation from Nigerians and other Africans.
These are people who have called on the Mozambican government to take action to protect the rights and interests of foreigners living in the country.
AKH-TRACADA is a non-governmental organisation that aims to promote the welfare and interests of Nigerians living abroad.
The organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerians living in Africa and other parts of the world.