Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Bello has called on residents of the Territory, especially students and youths, not to carry out retaliatory attacks on South African Nationals and business interests in the FCT over the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. He said that the Federal Government was already exploiting diplomatic channels to address the issue and appealed that residents should allow those efforts to succeed. Malam Bello in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Anthony Ogunleye stated that South African business interests in the FCT are in partnership with Nigerian investors and are contributing to the economic development of the Territory. He added that Attacking or vandalising them will ultimately have negative economic consequences for the Nigerian economy and employees of the organisations. The minister however assured South African Nationals and business interests in the FCT of their safety. While appealing to residents of the capital Territory to remain calm,Allan Bello however warned that law enforcement agencies have been mobilised to forestall any breakdown of law and order and that anybody instigating or participating in any acts of violence or vandalism will face the wrath of the law.
