Xenophobia: MTN Nigeria shuts offices over retaliatory attacks

The MTN Nigeria has reportedly closed its office outlets in Ikeja, Lagos and other parts of the country after some Nigerians took to the streets to protest xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

This comes after one of its offices in Apapa area of Lagos was set ablaze by an angry mob on Tuesday.

There has also been reported attack on Shoprite outlet in Lekki, Lagos. Shoprite and MTN are South African owned companies.

The attack comes after reports of burning of shops and vehicles belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa went viral. The attacks happened on Sunday and continued till Monday.

Earlier on Tuesday, MTN issued a statement condemning xenophobic attacks.

“MTN Nigeria strongly condemns hate, prejudice and xenophobia and reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of all violence,” the statement read.

“We seek to connect people, bring people together and provide a platform for everyone’s voice to be heard. We are against all forms of bigotry and discrimination; they should have no place in society.

“Everyone has the right to a world where their rights and freedoms are respected — the right to live and earn a living, freely, safely and protected by the law.”