FG DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FROM SOUTH AFRICA OVER DEATHS OF NIGERIANS, RISING ANTI-FOREIGNER PROTESTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has demanded urgent accountability from South Africa following the deaths of two Nigerians and a surge in anti-foreigner protests, warning that the incidents could strain diplomatic relations and endanger its citizens abroad.
The position was conveyed during a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed grave concern over the deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, both allegedly linked to assaults by South African security personnel.
According to the statement, Ekpeyong died on April 21, 2026, while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department after reportedly sustaining injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force. Authorities also noted that no incriminating evidence was found during a search of his residence.
Amaramiro, on the other hand, died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by military personnel.
Beyond the deaths, Nigeria condemned what it described as escalating hostility toward foreigners in South Africa, citing disturbing videos of protests calling for foreigners—particularly black migrants—to leave the country.
The government also raised concerns over threats linked to groups such as Operation Dudula and individuals including Jacinta Zuma, warning of a broader pattern of incitement and intimidation.
Nigeria called for thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations into the deaths, urging South African authorities to share findings promptly and provide full access to autopsy reports and legal processes for the victims’ families.
It further stressed the need for accountability, including disciplinary and prosecutorial action against any personnel found culpable.
The Federal Government also demanded stronger protections for Nigerians living in South Africa, including clear directives against profiling, adherence to due process during arrests, and strict enforcement of professional conduct by security agencies.
While acknowledging statements by South African leaders condemning violence, Nigeria insisted that such rhetoric must translate into concrete actions.
Diplomatic engagement has since intensified, with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, holding talks with her South African counterpart to address the crisis.
Despite rising tensions, the government urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, even as it confirmed awareness of a recent protest at the South African High Commission in Abuja.
Responding to Nigeria’s concerns, Machele said Pretoria would be briefed on the issues raised and maintained that the protests were not endorsed by the South African government, assuring that steps would be taken to sustain peaceful relations between both countries.
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