‘We won’t be bullied by violence’: Nigerian students on #GreaterNoidaattacks

African students living in Greater Noida say they face daily prejudice and are living in fear after two days of violence targeted at them following the mysterious death of a local youth.

The students – who hail from various nations in Africa – allege political pressure behind the attacks amid rising tensions between local residents and the foreigners.

“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,” said Lawrence, a Nigerian national.
The violence broke out on Sunday after a Class 12 student Manish Khari died because of a suspected drug overdose.

Locals alleged that Africans living in the area had plied the youth with drugs and attacked two Nigerians on Sunday night. Police also arrested five Africans but released them later because of a lack of proof.

The crowd was peaceful until it reached Pari Chowk, but went out of control at the sight of Africans in the market. A car was also damaged by the angry mob.

A day later, a protest march by residents turned violent as people assaulted several Africans at Greater Noida’s busy Pari Chowk. Rumours startled swirling that residents had abducted a Nigerian woman – a speculation denied by police. The waves of violence have left the foreigners rattled.

“We have been living in a sense of fear as there is no protection for us even after the attack,” said Bukola, a commerce student at IEC college.