Xenophobia: FG calls for justice over murdered Nigerians

The Federal Government has called for swift accountability from South Africa following the deaths of two Nigerians and a surge in anti-foreigner demonstrations, warning that the situation could strain diplomatic ties and endanger its citizens.

The position was made known after Nigeria summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, to a meeting in Abuja on Monday with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed.

According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the dispute centres on the deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, reportedly linked to assaults involving South African security operatives.

Ekpeyong was said to have died on April 21, 2026, while in custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, after allegedly sustaining injuries inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force. Authorities also reportedly found no incriminating evidence during a search of his residence, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his detention and death.

In a separate incident, Amaramiro reportedly died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital following an alleged assault by members of the same military force.

Beyond the fatalities, Nigeria condemned what it described as growing hostility toward foreigners in parts of South Africa, noting disturbing footage of violent protests calling for non-nationals, particularly Black migrants, to leave.

The government also raised alarm over threats linked to groups such as Operation Dudula and individuals including Jacinta Zuma, warning that such rhetoric could incite violence, intimidation, and discrimination.

Nigeria is demanding thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations into both deaths, including timely updates, access to autopsy reports, and full cooperation with legal processes for the victims’ families. It stressed that any confirmed misconduct must attract appropriate disciplinary and legal action.

Additionally, the government urged South African authorities to guarantee the safety of Nigerians residing in the country, calling for strict adherence to due process, an end to profiling, and improved professional standards among security agencies.

While acknowledging statements by South African officials condemning the violence, Nigeria insisted that such pronouncements must be backed by concrete action.

Diplomatic engagements have since intensified, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, engaging her South African counterpart in efforts to resolve the crisis.

The ministry also appealed for calm among Nigerians, noting a recent protest at the South African High Commission in Abuja and urging citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

In response, Machele assured that Nigeria’s concerns would be conveyed to Pretoria, maintaining that the protests do not reflect the official stance of the South African government. He added that steps would be taken to sustain peaceful relations between both nations.