Lagos condemns violence at Shoprite over South African xenophobic attacks

Shoprite

The Lagos State Government has condemned attacks on Shoprite Complexes at Jakande and Sangotedo area of Ajah over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and foreigners in South Africa.

The government in a statement on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the attacks negated the “Nigerian spirit of accommodation and benevolence.”

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Mr Omotoso said: “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the attacks on Shoprite Complexes at Jakande and Sangotedo Area of Ajah by some unidentified people claiming to be acting in retaliation against the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

“These attacks are condemned as they are against the Nigerian spirit of accommodation and benevolence that the country in general and Lagos State in particular is noted for.”

The commissioner appealed for calm as the Federal Government had taken up the issue with South African authorities.

“The Federal Government is in dialogue with South African Authorities to stop this obnoxious act.  We appeal to our compatriots to eschew violence and any unlawful acts,” he said.

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“The Lagos State Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere where businesses are conducted without hindrances.”

Omotoso added that security agencies have been directed to ensure that law and order prevail in all parts of the State.