Two Nigerians have been killed in separate incidents in South Africa, raising fresh concerns over xenophobic violence, as authorities and diplomats call for calm and thorough investigations.
Nigeria’s Consulate in Johannesburg identified the victims as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, saying both deaths involved security personnel and have shocked the Nigerian community and diplomatic officials.
Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche said Emmanuel died after being beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force, while Andrew died after being detained by metro police.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said, stressing that “everyone should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing.”
She warned against profiling Nigerians, describing it as dangerous, and urged citizens to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.
The incidents come amid rising tensions and reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, with migrants often blamed for crime and unemployment despite lack of evidence.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also spoken out, warning citizens not to allow concerns over migration to fuel hatred or violence against foreigners.
He urged respect for foreign nationals and called on communities to reject lawlessness, emphasizing that such actions undermine the country’s democratic values and social stability.
South African media have reported that the country's authorities have promised to act firmly against those involved in xenophobic violence, saying offenders will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted under the law.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have occurred for years, often linked to economic hardship and competition for jobs, and have strained relations with countries like Nigeria.
