Two Nigerian nationals have been killed in separate incidents linked to rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa, triggering renewed fear within the diaspora community and prompting urgent diplomatic engagement between both countries.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew died in incidents involving members of South African security agencies, raising concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche said Emmanuel died after sustaining injuries allegedly inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20. In a separate case, Andrew was reportedly detained on April 19 following an altercation with municipal police in Pretoria and was later found dead at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The consulate described both deaths as deeply troubling, noting that they had sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community and diplomatic circles. A formal complaint has been lodged with the South African Police Service, while Nigeria has also called for an independent investigation into the incidents.
Authorities in Nigeria are pushing for a transparent probe through the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, insisting that due process must be followed and those responsible held accountable if wrongdoing is confirmed.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Okey-Uche said, while also warning against unlawful profiling of Nigerians.
She stressed that regardless of allegations, legal procedures must be respected and every individual is entitled to fair hearing under the law.
The killings come amid growing reports of anti-foreigner hostility in parts of South Africa, with viral videos showing Nigerians and other African migrants being threatened, harassed, and ordered to leave communities.
In one widely circulated clip, a Nigerian trader was confronted during an anti-immigrant protest, with individuals insisting that foreigners were no longer welcome in the area despite his explanation that he had lived and worked there for years.
Tensions have been further heightened by another reported killing of an Ethiopian national in Johannesburg, where CCTV footage showed a man being shot at close range in what appears to be a targeted attack. No arrests have been made.
The South African Police Service has condemned the rising intimidation, describing such acts as unlawful and contrary to the country’s constitutional values of dignity and human rights.
In response to the situation, the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) warned of escalating hostility and called for urgent diplomatic intervention from Nigerian authorities.
NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu urged the Federal Government to take firm action, citing increasing harassment and alleged discriminatory enforcement practices against African migrants.
He called for stronger accountability mechanisms, improved diplomatic engagement, and protection frameworks for Nigerians living in South Africa.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission also issued safety advisories, urging citizens to remain vigilant, avoid volatile areas, and, where necessary, temporarily suspend business operations in affected regions.
Despite the concerns, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said the situation remains under control and described the incidents as isolated cases of tension rather than a coordinated attack on Nigerians.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking during Freedom Day commemorations, urged foreign nationals to respect local laws and traditions while reaffirming his government’s commitment to human rights and constitutional order.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has formally raised the issue with South African authorities, calling for immediate protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria emphasized the historical ties between both countries and urged stronger cooperation to prevent further escalation.
As investigations continue, fears remain high within the Nigerian community in South Africa, with many calling for urgent action to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence in their safety.
