The Federal Government has voiced alarm over escalating unrest in South Africa, including demonstrations advocating the removal of Nigerians and other foreign residents, alongside reports of the fatalities of two Nigerians while in official custody.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, conveyed this position on Monday during a meeting in Abuja where the Acting South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Lesoli Machele, was formally summoned.
This was disclosed in a statement issued the same day by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, recent events—particularly videos circulating online depicting aggression and hostility toward foreigners—are deeply troubling and could strain the longstanding diplomatic relationship between both nations.
The government confirmed that two Nigerian citizens, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, lost their lives in separate incidents involving South African law enforcement agencies.
Mr. Ekpeyong reportedly passed away on April 21, 2026, while under detention by the Tshwane Metro Police Department, while Mr. Amaramiro died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following allegations of physical assault.
The Federal Government expressed serious reservations about the conduct of security operatives and called for full accountability.
It demanded comprehensive, open, and unbiased investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, along with prompt release of autopsy findings and all relevant records.
Nigeria also insisted that the families of the deceased must be granted unrestricted access to judicial procedures.
While acknowledging remarks from South African authorities condemning attacks on foreign nationals, the Nigerian government stressed that such statements must be backed by concrete and verifiable action.
It further urged South Africa to take preventive measures against intimidation and incitement directed at foreigners, especially Africans, and to guarantee the protection and dignity of Nigerians lawfully residing there.
On domestic developments, the government referenced a recent protest by some Nigerians in Abuja but appealed for restraint, cautioning against unlawful actions.
It also noted ongoing diplomatic discussions, including a phone call between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her South African counterpart, during which both parties agreed to pursue lasting solutions.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s obligation to safeguard foreign diplomatic missions and personnel within its borders in line with international agreements.
In her reaction, Ms. Machele assured that Nigeria’s concerns would be communicated to Pretoria, adding that the demonstrations were not sanctioned by the South African government.
She also pledged continued efforts to address the issues raised and to preserve peaceful relations between both countries.
