Xenophobia: FG Demands Protection as Two Nigerians Killed in South Africa

Fresh xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the lives of two Nigerians, prompting outrage within the diaspora community and forcing the Federal Government to demand urgent protection for its citizens.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.

Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed that Emmanuel died after allegedly being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force, while Andrew was arrested following an altercation with metro police and later found dead in a mortuary.

“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. No one should take the law into their hands,” Okey-Uche said.

The incidents have triggered fear among Nigerians living in South Africa, with many calling on Abuja to take decisive diplomatic action.

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) described the situation as alarming, citing growing hostility, harassment, and alleged police brutality.

“We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility… These actions not only undermine human dignity but threaten African solidarity,” NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, said.

He urged President Bola Tinubu and other government officials to act “with urgency, firmness, and strategic diplomacy.”

The Federal Government, in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also called on South Africa to ensure the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

“As brotherly countries, Nigeria calls on South Africa to protect the lives and property of foreigners,” the statement read.

Despite the concerns, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, described the situation as “under control,” insisting Nigerians were not under siege.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged foreigners to respect the country’s laws, even as police condemned acts of intimidation against non-nationals.

The killings come amid a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment, with viral videos showing threats against foreigners and reports of targeted attacks in cities including Johannesburg and Pretoria.