Two Nigerians killed in fresh Xenophobic attacks in South Africa, FG demands urgent action

Fresh xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the lives of two Nigerians, heightening fear within the diaspora community and triggering urgent diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions in the country.

Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche disclosed that Emmanuel allegedly died after sustaining injuries during an encounter with personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.

Andrew, according to the consulate, was arrested in the Booysens area of Pretoria on April 19 following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, before his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

The consulate said both incidents, involving security personnel, have left families and the Nigerian community in shock, prompting calls for a transparent investigation. A formal complaint has been filed with the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has also been urged to probe the cases.

“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Okey-Uche said, stressing that due legal process must be followed in all circumstances.

The Nigerian mission also warned against growing profiling of Nigerians as criminals and urged citizens to remain calm as investigations continue.

The incidents come amid a broader wave of reported xenophobic hostility targeting foreign nationals, with viral videos showing threats, intimidation, and calls for migrants to leave parts of South Africa.

In response, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Nigerian community leaders have called for stronger diplomatic intervention and protection measures.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has formally urged South African authorities to protect the lives and property of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

Acting Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, however, said the situation remains under control, describing the incidents as isolated cases rather than a coordinated attack on Nigerians.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on foreign nationals to respect local laws and traditions, while reaffirming his government’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

As tensions persist, Nigerian authorities and diaspora groups continue to press for accountability, stronger protection mechanisms, and urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.