The Federal Government has called for urgent accountability from South Africa following the deaths of two Nigerians and a resurgence of anti-foreigner protests, warning that the situation poses risks to diplomatic ties and the safety of its citizens.
Nigeria’s position was conveyed after it summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, to a meeting in Abuja with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro — allegedly linked to assaults by South African security personnel — were central to the dispute.
“It was reported that on 21 April 2026, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department,” the ministry stated, noting that he had sustained injuries allegedly inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The government added that a search of his residence reportedly yielded no incriminating evidence, raising further concerns about the circumstances of his detention and death.
On the second case, the ministry said Amaramiro died on April 25 at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape after an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.
Beyond the deaths, Nigeria expressed alarm over growing hostility toward foreigners in parts of South Africa, citing disturbing footage of protests calling for the expulsion of migrants.
Officials also pointed to threats linked to groups such as Operation Dudula and individuals including Jacinta Zuma, warning of a broader pattern of incitement.
“The Government of Nigeria expressed strong concern over reported threats against foreign nationals… and emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent incitement, intimidation, or violence,” the statement read.
Nigeria demanded thorough and transparent investigations into both deaths, including the release of autopsy reports, post-mortem findings, and access to legal processes for the victims’ families.
“We therefore request thorough and impartial investigations into both deaths… and regular updates with the Government of Nigeria,” the ministry said.
It further called for accountability, urging that any personnel found culpable be subjected to disciplinary and legal action.
The government also pressed South African authorities to guarantee the safety of Nigerians, insisting on strict adherence to due process, an end to profiling, and enforcement of professional conduct by security agencies.
While acknowledging statements by South African leaders condemning the violence, Nigeria stressed that such rhetoric must be matched with concrete action.
Diplomatic engagement has since intensified, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, holding discussions with her South African counterpart to address the crisis.
The ministry also urged Nigerians to remain calm, noting recent protests at the South African High Commission in Abuja, and warning against any form of retaliation.
In response, Machele assured that Nigeria’s concerns would be communicated to Pretoria, maintaining that the protests were not endorsed by the South African government and pledging efforts to sustain peaceful relations between both countries.
Earlier, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) called on the government of South Africa to ensure that perpetrators of recent xenophobic attacks are brought to justice.
The renewed violence, which escalated this month, has largely targeted African migrants, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Zimbabweans.
In one widely shared clip, a group of locals confronted a Ghanaian national, questioning his presence and accusing migrants of abandoning their home countries instead of improving them.
The situation intensified after the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed the killing of two Nigerians — Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NiDCOM chair, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements between both countries.
She noted that the climate of fear is affecting daily life, with children of Nigerian descent reportedly avoiding school, while business owners are reluctant to open shops due to fears of looting, harassment, and targeted attacks. Community leaders, she added, have reported fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the last 72 hours.
“We state clearly that NIDCOM rejects the profiling and generalisation of all Nigerians. Crime has no nationality,” the statement reads.
“Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law.
“However, collective punishment and blanket labeling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous.”
NiDCOM called for increased police deployment in affected areas, immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in attacks, arson, and extortion, as well as the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement, government officials, and diaspora representatives.
The commission also urged South African authorities to issue clear public statements condemning xenophobia and warning against stereotyping.
