South African politician sparks outrage with remarks at Nigerian repatriation event
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A South African woman, Thabile Sibeko, identifying herself as president of the Inizwe Nathi Party, made controversial statements at the airport during the repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa. The first group of 262 Nigerians, primarily women and children, arrived in Lagos following escalating anti-immigrant violence. Sibeko bid farewell to the Nigerians, stating, "We did not appreciate the wrongs that you have done, and we hope that you have learned a lesson." She accused Nigerians of being responsible for drug-related problems in South Africa, alleging they had "killed our children with drugs," and asserted, "Nigeria is horrible, these people are horrible." She differentiated Nigerians from other foreign nationals, to whom she expressed gratitude. It could not be independently verified if the Inizwe Nathi Party is a registered political party in South Africa. This repatriation occurs amidst weeks of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa. A second flight for the remaining Nigerians is scheduled for June 15. South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, characterized the repatriations as routine immigration enforcement, noting a 46 percent increase in deportations over two years. Nigerian officials, however, stated the returnees were fleeing xenophobic attacks, with over 1,000 Nigerians having registered for voluntary return.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Federal University Birnin Kebbi has confirmed the death of Zaharadeen Nuhu, a 300-level Biochemistry student, who was killed in an attack by suspected thieves. The incident occurred at a private hostel in Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where Nuhu sustained severe machete injuries. He was rushed to a hospital but died in the early hours of Thursday. The university's Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Ibrahim Magawata, stated that the deceased, who hailed from Niger State, was attacked at his off-campus residence. The university management has contacted the Nigeria Police Force, Kalgo Division, and investigations are underway. Security patrols have been intensified in Kalgo and other off-campus areas. A meeting is scheduled with private hostel owners to implement stricter security measures, including improved lighting and night guards. Students are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and report suspicious activities. The university expressed its commitment to student safety and welfare. Nuhu was buried on Thursday after a funeral prayer at the Federal Teaching Hospital mosque in Birnin Kebbi. The university management extended condolences to his family, friends, and the student community.
BreakingThe 2026 World Cup commenced with co-hosts Mexico securing an early advantage over South Africa, with Julian Quinones scoring in the ninth minute at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This marked the beginning of a nearly six-week tournament featuring 48 teams across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, projected to generate a record $13 billion in revenue. The opening ceremony included performances by Shakira and Burna Boy. Despite scuffles outside the stadium and criticism regarding ticket prices and visa issues, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament's organization, citing affordable entry prices and the challenges of international events. He also addressed the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US, and highlighted Iran's participation amidst geopolitical tensions. Infantino praised former US President Donald Trump for his role in securing the World Cup for the United States. South Korea and the Czech Republic are scheduled to play the second game, while Spain, France, and England are considered favorites, with Lionel Messi leading reigning champions Argentina.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NSCIA has cautioned against attributing criminal activities to specific religious or ethnic groups, stating that such narratives exacerbate divisions and hinder efforts to combat insecurity. In a Democracy Day message, the NSCIA, through its Public Affairs Officer Abbas Jimoh on behalf of the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, emphasized that criminality should not be given ethnic or religious labels. The council expressed concern over persistent threats from banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, which claim lives and impede national development. It condemned all forms of violence and urged perpetrators to cease their destructive actions. The NSCIA also addressed attempts to associate Nigerian Muslims with violent crimes, calling such profiling false and unfair to the majority of peace-loving Muslims. It cited the recent kidnapping in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, noting that subsequent developments disproved initial attempts to link the incident to Islam or Sharia. The council further stated that ethnic profiling was misleading, as suspects were not identified as Fulani, contrary to earlier reports. The NSCIA urged media, opinion leaders, and stakeholders to maintain professionalism and fairness in reporting to avoid inflaming tensions. It called for increased cooperation among government, security agencies, and citizens to address insecurity and congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day,