A group of Nigerian protesters attacked and vandalised the head office MTN in Abuja on Thursday according to reports from Reuters. The attack is in retaliation for anti-Nigerian violence in South Africa. These are the first reactions from MTN and officials of the South African Government.
MTN Spokesperson.
“They are protesting against the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. It’s our regional head office in Abuja. That’s where we have our customer care center…”They vandalised equipment, stole customer phones and I-Pads. Some customers too were attacked.”
Government Source
A South African government source described the attack as serious. “This wasn’t just some people on the street throwing stones. They broke into the building and stole things and broke things,”
Reuters also report that MTN chairman Phuthuma Nhleko incidentally traveled to Abuja to visit Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. However, we can confirm that the Acting President was seen at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos for a forum about green bonds planned to be traded on the NSE bourse.