Nigeria summons South African envoy over xenophobic attacks, killing of African migrants

Africa, Crime Diary, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria over recent anti-foreigner protests and alleged attacks targeting Nigerians and their businesses in the country.

In a press release issued on Saturday, signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the envoy had been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to the ministry, the meeting is aimed at formally conveying Nigeria’s “profound concern” over recent developments capable of affecting the longstanding cordial relations between both countries.

The ministry said discussions would focus on ongoing demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, documented cases of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on businesses owned by Nigerians.

The development comes amid growing concerns over renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, with reports and viral videos showing attacks against African migrants and foreign-owned businesses. One of the videos circulating online allegedly showed two Ethiopian shopkeepers shot dead at close range by a suspected xenophobic attacker, further fueling outrage across the continent over the deteriorating security situation for Africans living in South Africa.

Political leaders and activists within South Africa have also condemned the violence. Julius Malema and other public figures have called for an immediate end to attacks targeting Africans and foreign nationals in the country.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa,” the statement said.

The Federal Government, however, urged Nigerians to remain calm, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights, safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.