No fewer than 800 youths stormed the MTN office in Enugu, Enugu State, on Tuesday to protest against the xenophobic attack on foreigners, especially Nigerians in South Africa.

The youths, under the aegis of Youth Action for Success, led by Mr Jeschai Okezie, carried placards with various inscriptions as: No to mindless killing of Nigerians, Stop this xenophobia now’, Do not tempt our patience.

The protesters, chanting war songs, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the South-African President, Jacob Zuma, to protect Nigerians in the country or they would destroy South African investments in Nigeria.

According to Okezie, “We are not happy that Nigerians are being brutalised and killed in South Africa.

“We allow South Africans to come here and operate. They have Shoprite, Multi-Choice, MTN and a host of other investments here.

“So why are they killing us, why are they brutalising us, why are they denying us our economic rights?

“We love other nationals here in Nigeria, we treat them with the highest level of hospitality, but this is what we get in return.

“We are giving the South African Government 48 hours to put a permanent stop to these killings and looting,” he warned.

The group’s leader appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to address the nation on the issue in order to douse the tension in the country.

“The President of South Africa must assure the world that the lives and property of Nigerians are safe, if not, we are going to react and our reaction will be disastrous.

“We are asking Nigerian youths to remain calm for now,” Okezie said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was heavy presence of armed security men at the MTN office located on Zik Avenue, Uwani, Enugu, while the office remained closed.

Some South Africans recently attacked African foreigners in the country killing them and looting their property. (NAN)

•Photo shows xenophobia attacks scene

Update news