The Nigerian government has called on South African authorities to arrest and prosecute individuals responsible for the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) made the appeal following renewed violence this month, which has largely affected African immigrants, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Zimbabweans. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed that two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed amid the escalating tensions.
In a statement, NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the worsening situation despite ongoing diplomatic engagements between both countries. She noted that the attacks have created fear among Nigerians, with children reportedly afraid to attend school and business owners hesitant to open their shops due to threats of looting and harassment.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that crime should not be linked to nationality, warning against the profiling and generalisation of Nigerians. She said any individual found guilty of wrongdoing should be dealt with according to South African law, but condemned collective punishment and stereotyping as dangerous and unacceptable.
The commission called for increased police presence in affected communities, swift arrest and prosecution of offenders, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa safety forum involving security agencies, local authorities, and diaspora representatives.
NiDCOM also urged South African officials to publicly denounce xenophobia and take a firm stance against discriminatory actions.
The commission advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night.
