Stark Reality Of Fear, Violence And Diplomatic Silence As Nigerian Groups Demand Justice, Protection For Migrants
By A1NEWS International / May 28,2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country, alleging that no fewer than 105 Nigerians have been killed between 2019 and 2026 amid recurring xenophobic violence, mob attacks, shootings, and alleged extrajudicial killings.
The alarming disclosure has intensified renewed scrutiny over the treatment of African migrants in South Africa and the growing diplomatic concerns surrounding unresolved attacks against foreign nationals.
The figures were contained in a joint statement issued by leaders of the Nigerian Union South Africa and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Mr. Smart Nwobi and Mr. Frank Onyekwelu, respectively.
The groups accused South African authorities of downplaying the scale of violence against migrants, particularly Nigerians, warning that denial of the crisis could worsen fear, mistrust, and social instability.
Community Rejects Official Narrative
The Nigerian community’s reaction followed reports credited to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and aired by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which reportedly suggested that migrants were not being deliberately targeted or killed in the country.
However, the Nigerian groups described such claims as misleading and dangerous.
According to the statement, dismissing repeated reports of violence against migrants risks discouraging victims and witnesses from speaking out while undermining efforts aimed at justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.
“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 read.
The groups stressed that while responsible public communication was necessary to avoid inflaming tensions, authorities must not ignore the realities confronting many migrants.
Troubling Death Toll Since 2019
Providing a breakdown of incidents recorded over the years, the Nigerian community said its data was compiled from community reports, media publications, civil society engagements, and documented migrant cases.
According to the statement, the violence escalated significantly during the 2019 xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg, where Nigerian-owned businesses, shops, and vehicles were allegedly destroyed.
The groups claimed that at least 12 Nigerians lost their lives during the attacks through mob violence, assaults, and acts of brutality.
“In 2022, over 17 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives through violent attacks, vigilante-style executions, criminal assaults, and alleged brutality by security personnel,” the statement noted.
The figures reportedly increased sharply in 2023, with more than 40 Nigerians said to have died in incidents linked to mob attacks, alleged police misconduct, violent confrontations, and unresolved killings.
The community further disclosed that about eight Nigerians reportedly died in 2024 under what it described as tragic circumstances, while another eight deaths were recorded in 2025 involving shootings, violent encounters, and deaths in custody.
The statement added that from January 2026 to date, more than 20 Nigerians had allegedly died during physical confrontations involving security personnel, suspected criminal attacks, or possible extrajudicial actions.
Fear, Anxiety Deepen Among Migrants
The Nigerian groups expressed concern that many reported cases remain unresolved despite ongoing investigations.
According to them, the absence of prosecutions, transparent judicial outcomes, or visible accountability has deepened fear and anxiety among migrants residing in South Africa.
Observers say the allegations could further strain already sensitive diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies whose ties have periodically suffered setbacks over xenophobic violence.
Although the South African government has repeatedly condemned xenophobia in the past, migrant groups insist that enforcement actions and institutional accountability remain inadequate.
Call For Transparent Investigations
The Nigerian community urged South African authorities to launch thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations into all reported incidents involving deaths in custody, violent attacks, and alleged unlawful killings.
The groups also called for stronger measures to combat xenophobia, vigilantism, mob justice, and abuse of power by security agencies.
“It is important to emphasise that our position is not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies, or judicial system,” the statement added.
“South Africa remains a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of human rights, equality, justice, and the rule of law.”
The organisations acknowledged that many South Africans continued to support peaceful coexistence and rejected xenophobic violence.
Demand For Social Integration And Rule Of Law
The Nigerian groups further appealed for increased public education campaigns, community dialogue, and social integration programmes aimed at reducing stereotypes, hatred, and hostility toward foreign nationals.
They also urged authorities to ensure suspects are not condemned without proper investigations and fair judicial processes.
“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement said.
“Everyone remains innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty in a competent court of justice.”
The organisations maintained that both South Africans and foreign nationals deserve equal protection under the law.
Diplomatic Pressure Expected
Analysts believe the latest figures and allegations may increase pressure on both the Nigerian and South African governments to strengthen bilateral engagement on migrant protection, law enforcement accountability, and cross-border relations.
Human rights advocates have also renewed calls for African governments and regional institutions to confront rising anti-migrant sentiments across parts of the continent before tensions escalate further.
Despite the growing concerns, the Nigerian community in South Africa said it remained committed to peaceful coexistence, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement with South African authorities and local communities.
The groups insisted that justice, accountability, and equal protection under the law remain critical to restoring trust and preventing further violence against migrants.
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