The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised serious concerns over the growing wave of xenophobic attacks and violent incidents targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country, revealing that at least 105 Nigerians have allegedly been killed within the last seven years.
The alarming disclosure was contained in a joint statement issued by leaders of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA). The statement was jointly signed by Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu, who expressed deep concern over what they described as persistent violence, intimidation, and unresolved killings involving Nigerians living in South Africa.
The Nigerian community leaders were reacting to a recent report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), allegedly attributed to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which reportedly downplayed claims that migrants were being targeted and killed in the country.
Rejecting the report, the community leaders argued that denying or minimising the experiences of migrant communities could discourage victims and witnesses from speaking out, while also undermining justice and peaceful coexistence.
According to the statement, “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 groups noted that over the years, Nigerians and other foreign nationals had repeatedly suffered fatal attacks linked to xenophobia, mob violence, vigilante actions, shootings, alleged extra-judicial killings, and excessive use of force by security operatives.
While stressing that they were not trying to inflame tensions or damage South Africa’s image, the organisations insisted that the painful realities faced by migrants must be openly acknowledged and addressed.
The statement explained that data compiled from community reports, civil society records, media publications, and internal migrant community documentation revealed a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians from 2019 to date.
According to the groups, one of the most devastating periods occurred in 2019 during widespread xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. They alleged that many Nigerian-owned businesses, vehicles, and shops were destroyed during mob attacks, while about 12 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives through brutal assaults and violent mob actions.
The violence, they said, left many migrants traumatised and financially ruined, with several victims allegedly receiving little or no justice afterward.
The statement further disclosed that in 2022 alone, more than 17 Nigerians reportedly died in violent incidents involving vigilante attacks, criminal assaults, mob executions, and alleged brutality by law enforcement officers.
The situation reportedly worsened in 2023, when more than 40 Nigerians were said to have lost their lives in various incidents ranging from unresolved violent encounters to alleged police misconduct and mob violence.
According to the community leaders, the deaths recorded over the years have created fear and anxiety among Nigerians residing in South Africa, many of whom now live in uncertainty over their safety and security.
The statement also indicated that at least eight Nigerians allegedly died under troubling circumstances in 2024, while another eight reportedly lost their lives in 2025 through shootings, violent clashes, and deaths allegedly linked to police custody incidents.
The groups added that the trend has continued in 2026, with over 20 Nigerians reportedly dying between January and May during violent encounters involving criminal gangs, security operatives, or suspected extra-judicial actions.
The organisations lamented what they described as the lack of accountability in many of the reported cases, saying that despite ongoing investigations in some incidents, there had been little progress in terms of prosecutions, transparent outcomes, or justice for victims and their families.
According to them, the apparent absence of accountability has deepened mistrust between migrant communities and authorities.
Despite their criticism, the groups acknowledged that South Africa remains a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of justice, equality, and human rights. They also recognised that many South Africans continue to reject xenophobia and support peaceful coexistence with foreign nationals.
“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 noted.
The organisations maintained that both South Africans and foreign nationals deserve equal protection under the law and insisted that nobody should be subjected to violence, intimidation, or mob justice.
They further stressed that individuals accused of crimes should not be condemned without proper investigation and due legal process.
“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement said.
“Everyone remains innocent in the eye of the law until proven guilty in a competent court of justice.”
The Nigerian community leaders therefore called on South African authorities to intensify efforts aimed at protecting the lives and rights of all residents regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status.
They also urged the government to ensure transparent, thorough, and impartial investigations into all reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody, and alleged extra-judicial killings.
In addition, the organisations appealed for stronger measures against xenophobia, vigilantism, mob violence, and unlawful conduct by both individuals and security personnel.
The statement also encouraged authorities to promote community dialogue, social integration, and public education campaigns designed to discourage hate speech, stereotyping, and violence against foreign nationals.
The Nigerian community reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement with South African authorities and local communities.
According to the statement, Nigerians living in South Africa remain willing to support efforts geared toward building a safer, more inclusive, and united society where everyone can live without fear regardless of their nationality.
The organisations concluded by expressing hope that both governments and civil society groups would work together to address the growing concerns and restore confidence among migrant communities living in South Africa.
