Xenophobia: Nigeria Demands Justice Over Killing of Citizens in South Africa

Xenophobia: Nigeria Demands Justice Over Killing of Citizens in South Africa

The Federal Government has stepped up diplomatic pressure on South Africa, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians, as concerns grow over renewed xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals.

The position was made known by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, following a high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigerian officials and South Africa’s diplomatic representatives.

The meeting involved the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, among other diplomats, and was held on the directive of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Nigeria expressed deep concern over ongoing protests in parts of South Africa where groups have reportedly called for foreigners—particularly black Africans—to leave the country, warning that the situation has heightened fear among Nigerians living there.

The government confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians—Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro—who allegedly died after sustaining injuries while in the custody of South African security agencies. According to officials, Ekpeyong died on April 21, 2026, while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, after reportedly suffering injuries linked to personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Amaramiro, on the other hand, died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.

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The Federal Government described the incidents as disturbing and said they have triggered anxiety within the Nigerian community, calling for urgent and credible remedial action.

Nigeria has formally demanded a transparent investigation into the deaths, including access to autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files. It also stressed the need for accountability, insisting that any personnel found culpable must face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences.

Beyond the specific incidents, Nigeria raised alarm over broader threats against foreign nationals, urging South African authorities to take proactive steps to prevent incitement, intimidation, and violence.

As part of diplomatic measures, Nigeria is fast-tracking the implementation of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism designed to improve rapid response to xenophobic threats. The government confirmed that it recently received a signed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from South Africa and is pushing for its immediate activation.

Officials say the mechanism will serve as a practical channel for intelligence sharing, early alerts, and de-escalation whenever threats to Nigerians arise.

The government also called on South Africa to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians residing lawfully in the country, emphasizing the need to rebuild confidence among the diaspora community.

Meanwhile, Nigeria acknowledged recent protests by its citizens at the South African High Commission in Abuja but urged restraint, while assuring that diplomatic engagement remains ongoing.

During discussions, concerns were raised over the lack of arrests and what many perceive as repeated assurances without concrete action. In response, the Nigerian government stressed that it expects more than verbal commitments.

“We are not satisfied with just statements. We need actions,” the ministry’s spokesperson said, underscoring Nigeria’s demand for tangible outcomes.

On the issue of Nigerians seeking to return home, the government noted that there are different categories of returnees, including those who feel unsafe and those facing documentation challenges. While voluntary return remains self-funded for now, officials indicated that government intervention could be considered if the situation deteriorates further.

Analysts say the latest development underscores recurring tensions in Nigeria–South Africa relations, particularly around xenophobic violence, and highlights the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect foreign nationals.

Xenophobia: Nigeria Demands Justice Over Killing of Citizens in South Africa