Nigerian Community Groups Say 105 Citizens Killed in South Africa Over Seven Years
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Nigerian community organisations in South Africa have expressed concern over the rising number of Nigerians reportedly killed in the country over the past several years amid recurring xenophobic tensions and violent attacks targeting migrants.
Leaders of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) said records compiled from community reports and documented incidents showed that at least 105 Nigerians had lost their lives in different violent circumstances between 2019 and 2026.
The organisations, represented by community leaders Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu, disputed recent claims suggesting that migrants were not being targeted in South Africa. According to them, dismissing complaints from migrant communities could discourage victims and witnesses from reporting abuses while weakening efforts aimed at justice and social harmony.
The groups stated that Nigerians living in South Africa had repeatedly faced mob violence, shootings, alleged police brutality, vigilante attacks, and other unresolved incidents linked to xenophobic unrest.
They recalled that during the 2019 xenophobic violence in Johannesburg, several Nigerian-owned businesses, vehicles, and shops were destroyed, while multiple people reportedly died during the attacks.
According to the community bodies, more deaths involving Nigerians were recorded in subsequent years through violent assaults, confrontations with security personnel, and other unresolved incidents. They noted that over 20 Nigerians had reportedly died since the beginning of 2026 alone.
While acknowledging that investigations were ongoing in some cases, the organisations said many incidents had not resulted in visible prosecutions or transparent outcomes, creating fear and distrust among migrants.
Despite their concerns, the groups stressed that they were not attacking South Africa’s democratic institutions or judicial system. They recognised that many South Africans continued to reject xenophobia and support peaceful coexistence among residents regardless of nationality.
The organisations called on South African authorities to strengthen protection for all residents, improve investigations into violent incidents, and take firmer action against xenophobic violence, mob justice, and unlawful conduct by individuals or security personnel.
They also urged the government to promote public education, dialogue, and social integration initiatives aimed at reducing hatred and stereotypes against foreign nationals.
According to the groups, both South Africans and migrants deserve equal protection under the law, adding that the Nigerian community remained committed to lawful conduct, peace, and constructive engagement with local authorities and communities.
Comments