By Aaron Ossai
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures to bring to an end the latest wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Adopting a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Donald Ojogo at yesterday’s plenary session, the House also strongly condemned such attacks on Nigerians.
The federal lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately initiate diplomatic steps to halt the killings and called on the administration of Bola Tinubu to begin evacuation plans for Nigerians willing to leave South Africa.
It further recommended a review of bilateral relations between both countries, including a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria.
Leading debate on general principles of the motion, Hon. Ojogo said the scale and pattern of the violence had become deeply troubling.
“The fresh xenophobic violence currently ravaging South Africa has reached an alarming rate to the extent that Nigerian nationals in that country are being selectively targeted.
“The House is worried that the lives of two Nigerians, Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel, were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.
“We are worried that Andrew was arrested on April 19 2026, in Pretoria, following an alleged altercation with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police.
“His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary, while Emmanuel died from injuries sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20, 2026.
“We are concerned that both incidents were shocking as they involved South African Security personnel. The killings came amid escalating xenophobic hostility, with a viral video showing threats, intimidation, and attempts by mobs to target foreign nationals.
“The House is also disturbed that the targeted attacks against Nigerian nationals are a demonstration of ingratitude, especially taking into cognisance of the roles of Nigeria in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
“The trajectory in South Africa is a recipe for anger and reprisals in Nigeria, and there is a need to prevent such”, he stated.
After a robust debate on the general principles of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs and other relevant committees to work with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to establish a 24-hour emergency response desk and a legal aid fund for affected citizens.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to develop and publicise a comprehensive evacuation contingency plan for Nigerians in volatile areas, including financial and logistical support for those willing to return home.
