The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised concerns over increasing violence against migrants, alleging that at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in the country since 2019 amid recurring xenophobic attacks and alleged abuses.
The claim was made in a joint statement issued by leaders of the Nigerian Union South Africa and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu.
The groups disputed reports suggesting that migrants were not being targeted in the country.
“Denying or minimising the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion,” the statement said.
According to the organisations, many Nigerians have died in mob attacks, shootings, alleged police brutality and vigilante violence over the past seven years.
They said 12 Nigerians were reportedly killed during xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg in 2019, while more than 40 deaths were recorded in 2023 alone.
The groups also claimed that over 20 Nigerians had died between January and May 2026 in incidents involving security personnel, criminal attacks and suspected extrajudicial actions.
Despite the allegations, the community leaders stressed that their position was not meant to attack South Africa’s democratic institutions.
“South Africa remains a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of human rights, equality, justice, and the rule of law,” the statement added.
The organisations urged South African authorities to ensure transparent investigations into all reported killings and strengthen efforts against xenophobic violence and mob justice.
The latest concerns come weeks after the Nigerian government demanded investigations into the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly assaulted by security personnel in South Africa.
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