Talks planned after KuGompo unrest over Igbo king coronation

A protest against the coronation of a Nigerian Igbo King turned violent in KuGompo on Monday.

Residents had initially gathered at City Hall to oppose the coronation of Igbo chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, explains COGTA spokesperson Pheello Olifant.

 “The march [was held to] express outrage and disquiet around the undermining of the sovereignty and the law of our country.”

Olifant says the plan was to present a petition to the Executive Mayor and the Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs.

"What started as a peaceful march at the beachfront turned violent and ugly when one of the marchers from KZN was stabbed by a Nigerian national on the street and another run over by a Nigerian national... pandemonium erupted," says Olifant.

As the unrest spread through the CBD, several shops were targeted, and vehicles were set alight.

Police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while businesses shut up shop.

"We cannot explain his whereabouts at this point; however, the Nigerian High Commissioner in Pretoria has written a letter of apology to the King of AmaKhagabe in Qonce to say this is not a reflection of the government of Nigeria, it's an isolated incident of the Igo tribes."

Olifant says a meeting will take place on 8 April between Cogta in the Eastern Cape, the High Commissioner for Nigeria and representatives from DIRCO and Home Affairs.

To listen to Olifant in conversation with 947's Thando Thabethe, use the audio player below: