Reps Demand Tough Measures Against South Africa as 282 Nigerians Return Amid Xenophobic Attacks

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic measures against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks, alleged extrajudicial killings and the reported persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.

 

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, during plenary on Thursday.

 

The motion was unanimously supported by lawmakers and was presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

 

The development came as 282 Nigerians, including 12 infants, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, from South Africa through the fourth evacuation flight operated by Air Peace.

 

According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees arrived at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

 

Moving the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent over repeated attacks on its citizens in South Africa despite years of diplomatic engagements between both countries.

 

He said, “The Republic of South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated waves of xenophobic violence directed against Nigerians and other African nationals, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear.”

 

The lawmaker said recent reports showed renewed attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals residing in South Africa.

 

He noted that the Federal Government had confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, including one who allegedly died in police custody and another who was killed in front of his business premises.

 

Gagdi recalled Nigeria’s role in the anti-apartheid struggle, describing the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa as unfortunate and unacceptable.

 

He said thousands of Nigerians sacrificed resources and support towards the liberation of South Africa, making the continued attacks against Nigerians and other Africans deeply troubling.

 

The lawmaker expressed concern that xenophobic violence had become recurrent and increasingly deadly, warning that continued inaction could encourage perpetrators and weaken confidence in regional institutions.

 

He also condemned alleged inflammatory comments by a South African junior minister, describing them as capable of worsening tensions between both countries.

 

Contributing to the debate, Edo State lawmaker Billy Osawaru urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts, while accusing South African security agencies of failing to prevent attacks against Nigerians.

 

Moshood Akiolu, a Lagos lawmaker, recalled Nigeria’s contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle and urged the National Assembly to invite officials of the South African High Commission to explain measures being taken to protect Nigerians.

 

Ghali Tijjani from Kano called for tougher actions against Pretoria, arguing that Nigeria should reconsider its diplomatic and economic relationship with South Africa if attacks on Nigerians continue.

 

Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, called for legal redress and support for Nigerians affected by the attacks.

 

Following the debate, the House urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to provide explanations on recent killings and measures being taken to protect Nigerians.

 

The lawmakers also called for an independent investigation into the deaths of Nigerians and other African victims, as well as engagement with the African Union, Southern African Development Community, United Nations and other international bodies to ensure accountability.

 

The House further urged the government to review bilateral relations with South Africa and consider suspending aspects of cooperation until credible guarantees are provided for the safety of Nigerians.

 

It also directed the strengthening of consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration support for Nigerians returning home.

 

The House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to engage relevant South African authorities and international organisations, investigate the recurring attacks and submit a report within 21 days.