The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa on Monday said the federal government is not ready to declare war with South Africa due to the incessant attacks on Nigerians.
She stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after a crucial meeting with Senate committee on diaspora and non-governmental affairs in Abuja.
Erewa said at the moment, twelve South African policemen that were connected to the attacks have been arrested and the federal government is working to ensure they are punished.
Specifically, she said, out of the 12 policemen arrested in the attacks, eight were apprehended in the previous attacks while four were picked in the recent attacks.
“Also, we know that eight policemen were arrested and charged to court for their involvement in killing of a Nigerian and we are demanding that they should be punished because we cannot accept that Nigerians should be treated anyhow anywhere in the world.
“Four policemen have been arrested not too long ago and they will be charged to court while eight policemen were arrested for previous incidences in the past, Erewa noted.
She however, informed that about 664 Nigerians that were attacked in South Africa are already registered and prepared to be airlifted back to the country.
“So far, 640 Nigerians are registered to be airlifted to the country and they will be home in a couple of days and we believe that more will be coming to register.
“Some of the people that registered to be airlifted have document issues and they are going to be issued free emergency travel documents,” Erewa stated.
She further insisted that contrary to the clamour that Nigeria should declare war with government of South Africa, the federal government has resolved not to go on the offensive but sought for peaceful ways to end the matter.
“The South African government need to have the political will begining from the President and this means that those who perpatrated the acts must be punished.
“This is about Africa and we cannot go on the offensive because the moves taken by the minister is very commendable and we would take it from there.
“And let us remember that the business and property of Nigerians were destroyed and all we are calling for is for South African government to compensate those affected.”
According to her, the returnees would be engaged into the National social empowerment programme and also be issued soft loans to enable them start-up without difficulties.
SOLOMON AYADO, Abuja
