This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
Published on September 4, 2019, MTN Nigeria's secretary, Uto Ukpanah, announced the closure of all MTN stores and service centers in Nigeria as a precaution until further notice.
The decision came after attacks on employees in Lagos, Ibadan, and Uyo sparked by violence against foreigners in South Africa. Hundreds of protesters on Tuesday embarked on violence and looting of South African firms in several Nigerian states.
The Nigerian government condemned the attacks and advised citizens to avoid traveling to high-risk areas until the situation is brought under control. Security was ramped up around South African businesses across Nigeria on Wednesday following a spate of reprisal attacks, police said.
Other South African firms that suffered looting and vandalism include retail chain Shoprite. The violence in South Africa has resulted in the deaths of five people, with almost 300 arrested.
Foreigners in South Africa have been accused of taking jobs away from South Africans, with nearly one South African worker in three unemployed.
