TheCable

On Tuesday evening, an angry mob set ablaze an MTN office in Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo state capital, over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The violence against foreign nationals in South Africa had sparked nationwide outrage.

The office had earlier been shut when protesters attempted to vandalise it during the day but security operatives resisted the attack.

However, some individuals regrouped at night and set the office on fire.

South African owned-businesses including Shoprite were also targeted and vandalised across the states in the country, including Lagos and Akwa-Ibom.

The office was locked with operatives of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) keeping guard when TheCable visited the scene on Wednesday morning.

A man who appeared to be part of the management of the office came to inspect the property. He, however, refused to speak to journalists who had gathered at the scene.

“I’m sorry, I can’t speak at the moment,” he told TheCable before zooming off in his car.

Below are pictures from the scene.

The Heritage Mall, Dugbe, also known as Cocoa mall was on lockdown when TheCable visited.

The property houses Shoprite, Cocoa house, FoodCo, PEP and many other outlets.

A man, who identified himself as Shola, a security agent in the mall, said it was shut to ensure the safety of life and property.

“Yesterday, some people were trying to speak their mind but we thank God that everything is under control. No ugly incident occurred.”

He confirmed that the Palms Mall at Ringroad was also shut down.