The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa, condemning the incidents and demanding thorough investigations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026. The government is particularly worried about the safety and protection of foreign nationals in South Africa, given the continuing challenges associated with xenophobia and Afrophobia.
The first incident involved Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality in Bloemfontein. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Igwemmadu's death was a result of police actions, which has raised concerns over the conduct of law enforcement personnel in South Africa.
Two other Nigerians, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, were killed in separate incidents on September 20 and 21, respectively. Olatunde was reportedly killed by an unidentified South African at a bar and grill in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, while Nnaemeka died following an incident involving a South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, and members of his team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the relevant South African authorities to undertake thorough, transparent, and expeditious investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The government demands that any persons found culpable be brought to justice in accordance with South African law. Nigeria is also concerned about allegations of excessive or unlawful conduct by law enforcement personnel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has 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. The government has consistently engaged South African authorities over recurring cases of xenophobia and Afrophobia.
Nigeria has 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 government has 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. The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families, friends, and wider Nigerian community in South Africa over the deaths of the three nationals.
Key points
- The Federal Government of Nigeria demands thorough investigations into the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
- Nigeria is concerned about the safety and protection of foreign nationals in South Africa, given the continuing challenges associated with xenophobia and Afrophobia.
- The government has urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and security-conscious in view of reported attacks.
