Two Nigerian nationals have been killed in separate incidents of renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa, raising alarm within the Nigerian community and prompting calls for urgent diplomatic action.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, both of whom were reportedly caught up in rising tensions targeting foreign nationals.
According to Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Emmanuel died on April 20 after sustaining severe injuries allegedly inflicted by members of the South African National Defence Force.
In a separate incident, Andrew was detained on April 19 in Pretoria following a confrontation with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police. He was later found dead in a mortuary under unclear circumstances.
Okey-Uche described both incidents as deeply disturbing, noting that they had caused distress among families, Nigerians living in the country, and diplomatic officials. She confirmed that the matter had been formally reported to the South African Police Service, with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate urged to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
She stressed the need for accountability, stating that while authorities may have concerns or allegations, due legal process must always be followed and no individual should face extrajudicial action.
Nigerian citizens in South Africa have appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to intensify efforts in protecting its nationals abroad, describing such protection as both a constitutional duty and a moral obligation.
The consulate also cautioned against stereotyping Nigerians as criminals and urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant amid the tensions.
The killings come amid a wider wave of hostility toward foreigners, with disturbing videos circulating online showing intimidation and threats. In one clip, a Nigerian trader was confronted during a protest and told to leave the community, despite pleading that he had lived and worked there for years to support his family.
Authorities have also confirmed a separate incident involving the killing of an Ethiopian national in Johannesburg, which has further heightened fears among migrant communities.
The South African Police Service condemned the attacks and acts of intimidation, describing them as unlawful and inconsistent with the country’s constitutional values of dignity, equality, and human rights. Investigations into all reported incidents are ongoing, with no arrests announced so far.
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