By Palmer Ileye
The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised concerns over what it describes as persistent xenophobic violence and killings targeting Nigerians, claiming that at least 105 Nigerians have lost their lives in the country over the past seven years.
The concerns were contained in a statement jointly signed by Smart Nwobi of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA).
The groups rejected a recent report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which cited South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) as saying that migrants were not being killed in the country.
According to the statement, denying or downplaying the experiences of migrant communities could discourage victims and witnesses from reporting abuses while also weakening efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion.
The Nigerian community said migrants, particularly Nigerians, had for years been victims of xenophobic attacks, including alleged extra-judicial killings, mob violence, vigilante attacks, shootings, and unlawful use of force.
While stressing the importance of responsible public communication and avoiding inflammatory narratives, the groups said it was necessary to acknowledge the painful realities faced by Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
The statement said records compiled from community reports, media publications, civil society engagements, and documented incidents showed several unresolved deaths involving Nigerians between 2019 and 2026.
According to the groups, the 2019 xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg led to widespread destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses, shops, and vehicles, with about 12 Nigerians reportedly killed during attacks and mob violence.
They added that more than 17 Nigerians reportedly died in 2022 through violent attacks, vigilante-style killings, criminal assaults, and alleged brutality by security personnel.
The statement further claimed that over 40 Nigerians lost their lives in 2023 in incidents linked to mob violence, alleged police misconduct, and other unresolved violent encounters.
In 2024, about eight Nigerians were reportedly killed under tragic circumstances, while another eight deaths were recorded in 2025, including shootings, violent confrontations, and deaths in police custody.
The groups also alleged that more than 20 Nigerians had died between January 2026 and the present period during encounters involving security personnel, criminal attacks, or suspected extra-judicial actions.
Although acknowledging that investigations were ongoing in some cases, the Nigerian community expressed concern over what it described as a lack of prosecutions, accountability, and transparent outcomes in many incidents.
The statement noted that the concerns raised were not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies, or judicial system.
It added that South Africa remained a constitutional democracy founded on human rights, justice, equality, and the rule of law, while also recognising that many South Africans continued to reject xenophobia and support peaceful coexistence.
The groups urged South African authorities to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting the lives and rights of all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
They also called for transparent and impartial investigations into all reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody, and alleged extra-judicial killings.
In addition, the Nigerian community appealed to the government to intensify measures against xenophobic violence, vigilantism, mob justice, and unlawful conduct by both individuals and security personnel.
The statement further advocated for increased community dialogue, social integration, and public education campaigns to discourage hatred, stereotyping, and violence against foreign nationals.
The groups emphasised the importance of due process and fair investigations, stressing that no individual should be condemned without lawful judicial procedures.
“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement said.
The Nigerian community reaffirmed its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, mutual respect, and constructive engagement with South African authorities and local communities in pursuit of a safer and more united society.
