The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has issued a stern condemnation after reports emerged that two Nigerians were killed in South Africa amid a harrowing escalation in the ongoing surge in xenophobic attacks.
The two Nigerians killed in South Africa have been identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.
The two Nigerians lost their lives in separate, violent encounters with security personnel within days of each other, fueling renewed fears for the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
According to a statement released on Monday, April 27, 2026, by the Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the circumstances surrounding both deaths remain deeply troubling.
Amaramiro Emmanuel reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during a brutal beating by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in Port Elizabeth on April 20.
In a separate incident, Ekpenyong Andrew, a motor mechanic and father of five, was apprehended in the Booysens area of Pretoria on April 19 following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police. Tragically, his body was discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary the following day.
These deaths have once again brought the surge in xenophobic attacks and the conduct of security forces toward foreign nationals into sharp international focus.
The Nigerian government, through its diplomatic mission, has demanded a transparent and thorough investigation into these killings.
The Consulate is actively engaging with South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Amb. Okey-Uche emphasized that while allegations against individuals must be processed through established legal channels, no one should take the law into their own hands.
The consul-general said a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service and urged the independent police investigative directorate (IPID) to ensure a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.
“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands.”
The consul added that the consulate is engaging relevant authorities and will provide necessary support to the families of the deceased.
Okey-Uche warned against the growing trend of profiling and generalising Nigerians as criminals, describing it as dangerous.
The consul-general also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.
This development comes after the Nigerian government has issued an urgent directive urging its citizens residing in South Africa to exercise extreme caution and prioritize their personal safety as a new wave of xenophobic attacks continues to gain momentum across the country.
Following a sharp rise in violent demonstrations and the looting of foreign-owned businesses in cities like Durban, Cape Town, and East London, Nigerian authorities are taking preemptive measures to protect their nationals ahead of further planned protests.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), alongside the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, has identified a significant risk period between April 27 and April 29, 2026.
NiDCOM said it received intelligence reports that anti-immigrant groups are organizing further demonstrations targeting the presence of foreign nationals, with specific actions planned for Freedom Day (April 27).
