Gauteng – Seven Nigerians were brutally attacked, and one, Ani Silas, was kidnapped in Springs, Gauteng Province, on Thursday, according to the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA). Akindele Olunloyo, NUSA’s spokesperson, reported that Silas was beaten unconscious at his workplace and abducted by a television station employee, accompanied by security and police. This alarming incident has intensified fears among Nigerians attacked in South Africa.
NUSA issued a statement Sunday detailing the shocking event. They claim the attacker was with his media crew, private guards, and members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Crime Prevention Unit. “Numerous onlookers witnessed the unprovoked attack and abduction,” NUSA stated, adding they possess video evidence showing SAPS officers allegedly standing by. The union strongly condemns this failure of duty.
Urgent Search Launched as Police Face Probe
Despite widespread searches across Gauteng’s morgues, hospitals, and police stations, Ani Silas remains missing. A formal kidnapping case (Case Number: 508/4/2025) has been filed at the Springs SAPS station, NUSA confirmed. The case has now been escalated to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for review of the police conduct.
NUSA has issued a stark demand: Silas’s “immediate and unconditional release” by Tuesday noon. They are also calling for the suspension and arrest of the officers who failed to intervene and a full investigation into the assailant, linking the event to a disturbing trend of Nigerians attacked in South Africa.
Calls for Justice and Potential Protests
Reminding authorities of legal protections against such violence under South African law, NUSA President Smart Nwobi urged the Nigerian community to “remain vigilant and peaceful.” He confirmed that NUSA is actively engaging with Nigerian diplomatic missions, international human rights bodies, and the African Union.
Nwobi issued a warning: if their demands aren’t met, the Nigerian community plans a peaceful occupation of the Springs police station. NUSA affirmed its commitment to pursuing every legal channel to secure justice for Silas and other victims, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of Nigerians attacked in South Africa.
Abiodun Labi
