The attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa have continued to generate more criticism from prominent individuals and groups in Nigeria.

While President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a special envoy to meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the attacks were reckless.

Professor Osinbajo spoke to reporters in Kano State while answering questions on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

“This is absolutely unacceptable and unconscionable,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande.

He added, “Let me say first that these recent attacks are condemnable. It is very sad and very unfortunate that the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in South Africa are once again being destroyed with such wantonness and with such carelessness and recklessness.”

According to the Vice President, the situation is unfortunate because Nigeria and Nigerians invested a great deal in the destruction and pulling down of apartheid.

He believes “acts of bigotry” are entirely contrary to the ideals that all the South African leaders, including Ramaphosa, fought for and for which many gave their lives.

“Mr President has already spoken about this, and obviously we are very concerned and certainly intend to take this up with the authorities in South Africa in order to ensure that this sort of thing does not repeat itself,” said Osinbajo.

Meanwhile, the Presidency said the special envoy dispatched by the President would arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday.