A video message purportedly from Boko Haram has given the South African government a 24-hour ultimatum to stop xenophobic attacks on foreigners.
The terrorist group, responsible for approximately 13,000 deaths in Nigeria since 2009, threatened to retaliate against South Africans living in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and other surrounding countries if the situation is not contained.
Boko Haram also warned of potential attacks on South African embassies in these countries. However, the authenticity of the message has not been verified.
Xenophobic violence has plagued major South African cities like Durban and Johannesburg, resulting in the murder of dozens of migrants. According to Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, no Nigerian casualties have been reported yet.