Nigeria demands justice over deaths of citizens as xenophobic tensions rise in South Africa

Africa, Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has raised concerns over renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, warning that the safety of Nigerian citizens and businesses in the country must not be endangered.

In a situation report on the protests, the minister said the Nigerian government was closely monitoring developments following recent demonstrations in parts of Pretoria and Johannesburg marked by anti-migrant rhetoric and hostility toward foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

According to the report, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been briefed on the situation and expressed grave concern, calling for stronger intervention by South African security authorities to prevent escalation.

The ministry said disturbing images circulating on mainstream and social media platforms depicting violence, xenophobic rhetoric, and targeted attacks against foreign nationals had drawn widespread international condemnation.

However, Nigerian authorities acknowledged recent statements by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, and Police Minister Firoz Cachalia condemning extra-judicial killings, destruction of property, and anti-foreigner sentiments.

The anti-migration protests, reportedly organised by local groups between April 27 and April 29, 2026, were largely peaceful under heavy police presence, with officers occasionally deploying teargas to prevent violence.

The ministry said no Nigerian citizen was killed or had property destroyed during the protests. However, two Nigerian nationals were reported dead in separate incidents involving South African security personnel.

According to the report, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25 from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth on April 20.

Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, reportedly died following an alleged encounter with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20.

The Nigerian government described both incidents as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” adding that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa was monitoring investigations and demanding justice.

The ministry also disclosed that another round of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and May 8, prompting directives from President Tinubu for close monitoring of the situation.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria over the incidents and ongoing tensions.

According to the statement, the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa remain in constant contact with local authorities to minimise risks to Nigerian citizens amid ongoing consultations with senior South African officials.

The government further announced plans for voluntary repatriation for Nigerians willing to return home due to the rising tensions.

Officials said about 130 Nigerians had already registered with the country’s diplomatic mission in South Africa for possible evacuation flights, with the number expected to increase as consultations continue with Nigerian community associations in the country.

The ministry noted that Nigeria played a major role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid liberation struggle and stressed that such historical ties should not be forgotten.

“It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to elections in South Africa, where anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage the situation to garner votes,” the statement said.

Nigeria also referenced a recent memorandum of understanding signed with South Africa on early warning mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens of both countries during periods of tension and instability.