Two Nigerians killed in fresh xenophobic attacks in South Africa

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

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

Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, disclosed in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.

Andrew, she said, was arrested on April 19 in Pretoria’s Booysens area following an alleged altercation with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police.

His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

The Consul-General described the incidents, both involving security personnel, as shocking, noting that they had left the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions deeply disturbed.

A formal case has been lodged with the South African Police Service, while Nigeria has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial probe.

“We call on South African authorities to investigate the matter and bring perpetrators to justice. No one should take the law into their hands,” Okey-Uche said.

While stressing that all suspects are entitled to due process, she warned against the growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals and urged citizens to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.

The killings come amid escalating xenophobic hostility, with viral videos showing threats, intimidation, and attempts by mobs to target foreign nationals.

In one widely circulated clip, a Nigerian trader was confronted during an anti-immigrant protest and ordered to leave the country with his family, as protesters declared foreigners unwelcome.

In a related incident, an Ethiopian national was shot dead in downtown Johannesburg in what authorities suspect to be a targeted killing.

CCTV footage showed the victim being approached and shot at close range, with no immediate signs of robbery.

Authorities confirmed that no arrests had been made, while investigations remain ongoing.

The South African Police Service condemned the acts, stating that intimidation of foreigners violates the country’s constitutional values of dignity, equality, and human rights.

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa warned of increasing hostility, harassment, and alleged police brutality against Nigerians and other African nationals.

Frank Onyekwelu, its president, described the situation as alarming and called for urgent intervention by Nigerian and African leaders.

“We are witnessing a troubling normalisation of hostility through inflammatory rhetoric, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices,” he said.

Onyekwelu urged stronger diplomatic engagement, accountability for erring officers, and mechanisms to document xenophobic abuses, while reiterating that Nigerians in South Africa are largely law-abiding and economically active.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission issued safety advisories, warning of escalating protests in cities such as Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of looting and violence have been reported.

The commission advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations, monitor developments, and, where necessary, temporarily shut down businesses to prevent losses.

Alexander Ajayi, Nigeria’s acting ambassador to South Africa, said the situation was not a coordinated attack against Nigerians, describing it instead as “isolated tension”.

“The priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen, including foreigners,” he said, adding that both governments were working to contain the unrest.

On his part, Cyril Ramaphosa, South African president, urged foreign nationals to respect local laws and traditions, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human rights.

The federal government called on South Africa to guarantee the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Kimiebi Ebienfa, its spokesperson, condemned the recent attacks and urged Pretoria to uphold its obligations.

“As brotherly nations, Nigeria calls on South Africa to protect the lives and property of foreign nationals,” the statement said.

The government noted that both countries share deep historical ties rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle and maintain strong cooperation across trade, defence, education, and multilateral platforms such as the African Union and the United Nations.

Nigeria’s appeal coincided with South Africa’s Freedom Day, which commemorates the 1994 democratic elections that ended apartheid and ushered in majority rule.

The federal government noted that the 2026 celebration marks 32 years of democratic governance and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting continental unity.