By George Ozalla
The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has postponed its planned warning protest over the continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, citing security concerns following consultations with the Department of State Services (DSS).
The peaceful protest, originally scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Abuja, was suspended after the leadership of the Forum honoured an invitation from the DSS on Tuesday, where it received a security briefing on developments surrounding planned demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum and National Youth Leader of APGA, Hon. Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, and the Forum’s Publicity Secretary and National Youth Leader of the PRP, Ozu Important, the DSS advised that August 5 might not be the most appropriate date for the protest because other groups, including the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the El-Zakzaky group, as well as the Take It Back Movement and Revolution Now, had also scheduled protests for the same day.
The security agency reportedly warned that the convergence of multiple demonstrations could create an environment where the Forum’s peaceful protest might be infiltrated or hijacked by undesirable elements, leading to a breakdown of law and order and placing responsibility on the organisers.
Following the engagement, the Forum immediately convened an emergency virtual meeting involving its members, including delegates who had already travelled from different parts of the country to Abuja in preparation for the protest.
After extensive deliberations, the Forum unanimously resolved that postponing the protest was in the overriding interest of national peace, public safety and the integrity of the organisation.
The Forum stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a retreat from its position on the recurring attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Rather, it said the postponement reflected its commitment to acting responsibly and ensuring that its advocacy does not result in unintended security challenges.
It reaffirmed that it remains a peaceful, law-abiding and responsible organisation committed to protecting the rights, dignity and safety of Nigerians wherever they reside. According to the statement, the Forum’s objective has never been to promote violence or hostility but to seek justice for victims of xenophobic attacks and encourage stronger diplomatic and lawful measures that will guarantee the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The Forum also disclosed that the DSS briefed its leadership on ongoing diplomatic engagements by the Federal Government with South African authorities, as well as efforts being made to support Nigerians affected by the attacks. It expressed appreciation for those interventions and expressed hope that they would produce lasting solutions to the crisis.
The youth leaders further commended members of the Forum, youth organisations, civil society groups and other Nigerians who had mobilised for the protest, describing their commitment, patriotism and sacrifices as worthy of appreciation.
Despite postponing the demonstration, the Forum maintained that its demands remain unchanged. It insisted that xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa must end permanently, victims should receive justice and adequate compensation, perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice, while both the Nigerian and South African governments should strengthen existing mechanisms to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa.
The Forum assured that consultations with relevant stakeholders would continue and that a new date for the protest would be announced if the situation remains unresolved.
It also appealed to Nigerians to remain peaceful, law-abiding and continue supporting efforts aimed at resolving the matter through dialogue, diplomacy and other lawful means.
