The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the deaths of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa and called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents. The cases have reignited concerns over the safety of Nigerians abroad and rising xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa.
The Cases That Sparked Outrage
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two victims have been identified as Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro. Government officials said Ekpeyong died on April 21, 2026, while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department in Pretoria.
Before his death, he reportedly sustained injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force. Reports also indicate that a search of his residence yielded no incriminating evidence.
Amaramiro died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape, following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg also confirmed the incident, stating it occurred in Port Elizabeth.
Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, clarified that both incidents were separate from the recent anti-foreigner protests and occurred during encounters with security operatives.
Diplomatic Pressure From Abuja
Nigeria’s response was swift. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, for a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Monday. The meeting was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed.
Speaking after the meeting, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said Nigeria demanded full cooperation from South African authorities, including autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and access to relevant case files for the victims’ families. “Nigeria condemns the violence against its citizens in South Africa, including the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly assaulted by security officials,” Ebienfa stated.
He added that accountability should include “appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action” where wrongdoing is established.The government also demanded that South Africa take concrete steps to address xenophobic violence and protect foreign nationals living lawfully in the country.
Xenophobic Protests Add To Tension
The deaths come amid renewed protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg where some groups demanded tougher action against undocumented immigrants, arguing that they strain jobs, security and public services. Migrant-rights groups say foreigners are often scapegoated for South Africa’s economic problems.
Nigeria noted with concern viral videos showing violent treatment of African foreigners, including Nigerians, and described some of the protest footage as “very disturbing”. The government said the situation has heightened fear among Nigerians in South Africa.
More protests were reportedly planned for May 4 and May 8, and Nigeria said it would be monitoring developments closely.
Calls For Protection And Repatriation
The Nigerian Consul-General in Johannesburg, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said the killings had raised fresh questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa. She urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding while going about their daily lives.
At home, the House of Representatives also condemned the attacks and urged the government to initiate diplomatic steps to halt the killings and begin evacuation plans for Nigerians willing to leave South Africa. Lawmakers further recommended a review of bilateral relations, including a temporary suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria.
Foreign Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that at least 130 Nigerians have already applied to be repatriated under a new government-assisted scheme amid fears of escalation.
Bilateral Mechanism In Focus
Nigeria said it is moving to fast-track the implementation of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism with South Africa to address rising xenophobic tensions and threats against foreign nationals. The mechanism is expected to provide quicker diplomatic responses to incidents affecting citizens of both countries.
South Africa had last month promised to crack down on anyone carrying out xenophobic attacks after Ghana and other African countries reported violence against their nationals.
The Federal Government insists the investigation must be impartial and that findings should be shared transparently with Nigeria and the victims’ families. It also stressed the need for regular updates from South African authorities.
As diplomatic engagements continue, Nigeria has made clear that the protection of its citizens abroad remains a top priority. For thousands of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa, the outcome of this probe will test the strength of bilateral ties and the commitment of both governments to safeguard lives and dignity.
