The Federal Government has condemned the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents in South Africa between 18 and 21 September 2026, demanding thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Wednesday, said the government was particularly concerned about the deaths amid continuing challenges associated with xenophobia and Afrophobia in parts of South Africa.
According to the ministry, Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu died on 18 September after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Central Business District, Bloemfontein.
It said Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde was reportedly killed by an unidentified South African at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, on 20 September.
The ministry added that Christian Hillary Nnaemeka died on 21 September following an incident involving South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, and members of his team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns these incidents and is deeply concerned by their occurrence at a time when Nigerians and other Africans continue to face challenges associated with Xenophobia and Afrophobia in parts of South Africa,” the statement said.
The government also expressed concern over the safety and protection of foreign nationals in South Africa, as well as the effectiveness of measures by relevant authorities to prevent attacks and ensure accountability for violations against foreigners.
It further raised concerns over allegations of excessive or unlawful conduct by law enforcement personnel, stressing that any interrogation or enforcement methods that contravene established legal and human rights standards must be investigated.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria calls on the relevant South African authorities to immediately undertake thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, and ensure that any persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with South African law,” it said.
The ministry said Nigeria remained committed to constructive dialogue as the preferred means of addressing bilateral concerns, noting that the government had consistently engaged South African authorities over recurring cases of xenophobia and Afrophobia.
It said Nigeria had previously raised the concerns with the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
“In light of these latest developments, the Federal Government of Nigeria is actively considering further appropriate measures to secure the cooperation of the South African authorities in addressing these concerns and protecting the rights and safety of Nigerian nationals,” the statement added.
The government, meanwhile, urged Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant, law-abiding and security-conscious, particularly in view of reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on vulnerable Africans.
It also advised Nigerians to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg whenever they require consular assistance.
The Federal Government expressed condolences to the families, friends and wider Nigerian community in South Africa over the deaths of Igwemmadu, Olatunde and Nnaemeka, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.
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