Babatunde Akinteye, external vice president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the racist treatment meted on Nigerian students in India.
The WITNESS recalls that in a video that went viral on Monday, some Nigerian students in India were seen being attacked by Indian students after a dispute over the use of a football field at the Gurgaon University near Delhi.
However, a statement released by NANS detailed that a preliminary investigation showed that tension erupted after Nigeria Muslim faithful who said their prayers on a football field instead of an allocated room prompted some Hindu students to attack Nigerian students on the campus.
“It’s a shame that even in the 21st century, we are still faced with racism. In every case of racism, it’s important we highlight and remind us all about the outcome which has always led to mass violence and disturbance of peace, order and some extreme cases led to a loss of lives using the Xenophobic attack situation in South Africa as a prime example,” the statement read.
“While we, as lawful abiding individuals do not wish to cause mayhem or public disturbance, we must make known the fact that the security and welfare of the lives of everyone the Nigerian students studying in diaspora and at home cannot be overemphasized and must be protected at all costs,” the statement added.
The union further advised Nigerian students schooling in India to keep calm, and remain civil.