Springs: The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has condemned another attack on seven Nigerians and the kidnapping of Ani Silas in Springs, Gauteng Province. Silas was reportedly beaten unconscious and taken from his workplace on Thursday by a staff member of a television station.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akindele Olunloyo, the National Publicity Secretary of NUSA, stated in a release on Sunday that the assailant was accompanied by a media team, private security personnel, and members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Crime Prevention Unit from the Springs SAPS Station. The statement highlighted that numerous onlookers witnessed the attack and abduction, with video evidence showing SAPS officers present during the incident.

NUSA criticized the conduct of law enforcement officials, describing it as a severe dereliction of duty and suggested potential complicity in criminal activities under South African law. Despite extensive searches across morgues, hospitals, and police stations in Gauteng Province, Silas remains missing. A formal kidnapping case has been registered, and the matter has been transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

The Nigerian Union South Africa has called for the immediate release of Silas and full accountability for those involved in his assault and abduction. They demanded the arrest and suspension of the SAPS officers who failed to prevent the attack and a formal investigation into the assailant and accomplices for violent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians.

NUSA urged the South African authorities to publicly assure the protection of foreign nationals' rights, as guaranteed by the South African Constitution and international conventions. The statement cited the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act, which prohibits acts of torture, assault, and kidnapping.

NUSA President Smart Nwobi called on Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and peaceful. He noted that NUSA is in contact with the Nigerian government's foreign missions, international human rights organizations, and the African Union regarding the issue. Nwobi warned that if NUSA's demands are not met, the Nigerian community in Springs plans to peacefully occupy the Springs police station and pursue all legal avenues to secure justice for Silas and other victims.