South Africa records 105 Nigerian fatalities over seven-year period

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….Seeks Action on Xenophobia

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The Nigerian community in South Africa says at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in the country over the past seven years amid recurring xenophobic attacks against migrants.

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This is contained in a statement signed by leaders of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Smart Nwobi, and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Frank Onyekwelu.

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The group was reacting to a South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) report attributed to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which reportedly claimed that migrants were not being killed in South Africa.

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It described such claims as misleading and warned that denial of migrant-related violence could discourage victims and witnesses from reporting abuses, thereby undermining justice and social cohesion.

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The community insisted that Nigerians and other foreign nationals had repeatedly been victims of xenophobic violence, including mob attacks, shootings, vigilante actions and alleged unlawful use of force.

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While noting the need for responsible public communication, the group said it was important to acknowledge what it described as recurring incidents affecting migrants.

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According to the statement, available community records showed that in 2019, several Nigerian businesses, shops and vehicles were destroyed during xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg, with about 12 Nigerians reportedly killed in the violence.

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It added that in 2022, more than 17 Nigerians allegedly died in violent attacks, vigilante actions and alleged misconduct by security personnel.

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The group further claimed that over 40 Nigerians were killed in 2023 in incidents involving mob violence, police-related allegations and unresolved violent encounters.

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It also stated that about eight Nigerians died under tragic circumstances in 2024, while another eight reportedly lost their lives in 2025 in shootings, violent confrontations and deaths in custody.

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From January 2026 to date, the community said over 20 Nigerians had reportedly been killed in incidents involving security personnel, criminal attacks or suspected extra-judicial actions.

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While acknowledging ongoing investigations in several cases, the group expressed concern over what it described as a lack of prosecutions and accountability in many incidents.

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It urged South African authorities to strengthen efforts to protect the rights and lives of all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

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The group also called for thorough, transparent and impartial investigations into all reported cases of violence, deaths in custody and alleged extra-judicial killings.

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It further urged measures to curb xenophobic violence, mob justice, vigilantism and unlawful conduct by individuals or security operatives.

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The community also called for increased public enlightenment, community dialogue and social integration programmes aimed at reducing hostility towards foreign nationals.

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Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the group stressed that no society can thrive where fear, mob justice or unlawful violence are normalised.

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It added that both citizens and foreign nationals deserve equal protection under the law and urged adherence to due process and constitutional guarantees.

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The statement concluded that the Nigerian community remains committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with South African authorities and communities.

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