Indians on social media have come out in support of Nigerian students who faced racial attacks in a Greater Noida shopping mall on Monday.
They have called out the inherent racism in the country and expressed shock and disappointment at the brutality meted out to these students who have been accused of cannibalism after a local student's death last week.
Meanwhile, the Association of African Students in India has, in a Facebook post, advised Nigerian students "to remain indoor and abstain from lectures" until their security is guaranteed.
Disturbing videos of the attacks did the rounds on social media.
Nigerian, and African, students live in rented homes in Greater Noida, 39 miles from the national capital of Delhi, and study in the area's various educational institutions.
People are now hoping for their safety and have urged the authorities to take action against the assaulters.
Pray for Africans in India ?? Pray for Nigerian students in India ??
— JAHMAL USEN (@JahmalUsen) March 27, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to all Nigerian/African students studying in India/Greater Noida to be precise #OccupyNigHCindia
— A-Bukar (@Itz_hayatu) March 27, 2017
Sorry World.We are not like this.Shocking incidents in Greater Noida.3 attacks on Nigerian people in one day.Where we heading?See video. http://pic.twitter.com/LmjHfa4CvW
— Narendra nath mishra (@iamnarendranath) March 27, 2017
Videos of attack on Nigerian youth at Greater Noida are disgusting and shocking. Mob has taken over. Ashamed as an Indian
— Ashish Fail (@AshishNBT) March 27, 2017
Nigerian students viciously attacked in a hate crime in Noida. Shame on 'Indians' who did not come to their rescue. Head hangs low. http://pic.twitter.com/whiBBF00XI
— Jas Oberoi (@iJasOberoi) March 28, 2017
The senseless attack on Nigerian students shows that we refuse to learn from the racism & bigotry that Indians suffer elsewhere.
— Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) March 28, 2017
India's Minister for External Affairs has termed it an "unfortunate incident" and said she's looking into it.
I have spoken to Yogi Adityanath ji Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh about attack on African students in Greater Noida. /1
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 28, 2017
He has assured that there will be a fair and impartial investigation into this unfortunate incident. /2
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 28, 2017
Reuters Africa reported this afternoon that the local police has made five arrests in the case.
Hindustan Times quoted a Nigerian national as saying: “We come to India to live in peace but we will not be bullied by force or violence. The need of the hour is for African students to unite against this blatant racism.”
We hope peace prevails soon.
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