Mba
The Commander General (CG) of Abia State Vigilance Group (ASVG), Mr. Martin Mba has said retaliation is not the solution to the Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by South Africans.
Mba spoke to journalists in Umuahia, the capital against the backdrop of the rising tension between Nigeria and South Africa over the attacks and reactions to them by Nigerians.
His words, “What the two countries should do is to engage in a round table talks to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the attacks with a view to finding lasting solutions to the them.”
He condemned the perpetrators of the attacks which have become a reoccurring event, expressing worry that the government of that country was yet to show convincing concern for them.
The CG, however cautioned Nigerians living in that country to conduct themselves and carry on their businesses within the ambit of the law and, rules and regulations on business transactions.
He commended the federal government for the steps it has taken to handle the crisis, adding that had it been as instant in reaction in similar manner in the past, the perpetrators may have learnt their lessons.
According him, even in the face of the attacks, Nigeria should continue to play the big brother role to that country, noting that crisis between them has the tendency of spreading across the African continent.
“With this, the continent will become polarised along the two countries, thus creating opportunities for those who wish to destabilize it for their selfish economic, political, and financial interests to cash in on.”
Mba associated the ASVG with the recent establishment and inauguration of Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing it as a welcome development.
The CG, who also held the South East Governors Forum for banning herdsmen operating in the zone from carrying arms, added that the ASVG will assist in ensuring compliance with the ban.
