The Federal Government has called on South African authorities to investigate the reported killings of Nigerian nationals and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed concern over what it described as a possible pattern of deliberate attacks on Nigerians amid reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic hostility towards foreign nationals.
The government’s demand follows the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents between September 18 and 21, 2026. The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
According to the ministry, the circumstances surrounding the deaths raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, including allegations of unlawful conduct by security personnel.
Reacting to the incidents, Nigeria’s Consul-General in South Africa, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, expressed concern over the recurring killings, saying they had raised serious questions about the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The Federal Government called for thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations, insisting that anyone found culpable should face prosecution in accordance with South African law.
“The continuing pattern of extra-judicial killings of Nigerians is daily becoming more and more like a deliberate attempt by some elements in disregard to due processes of the South African laws,” she said.
It also said Nigeria had repeatedly engaged South African authorities over xenophobia and Afrophobia, adding that it was considering further measures to secure the protection of its citizens.
“All should be granted fair hearing in a court of law and no one should take the laws into their hands,” she said.
She assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to press for the protection of their lives and rights, stressing that the safety of Nigerians remained a priority, particularly in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Nigerians residing in South Africa were urged to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, avoid areas affected by violence and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance.
The government reaffirmed its preference for diplomatic dialogue while stressing that the safety and rights of Nigerian nationals must be protected.
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