Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa – Community Raises Alarm

The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country, revealing that no fewer than 105 Nigerians have been killed in the last seven years amid recurring xenophobic violence and attacks on migrants.

Leaders of the community said the deaths were linked to mob attacks, shootings, alleged police brutality, vigilante violence and other unresolved incidents involving foreign nationals.

The concerns were contained in a statement jointly signed by Smart Nwobi of the Nigerian Union South Africa and Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa.

The group was reacting to reports credited to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which reportedly suggested that migrants were not being deliberately targeted or killed in the country.

However, the Nigerian community strongly rejected the claim, insisting that several incidents involving Nigerians had either been ignored or downplayed over the years.

“Denying or minimising the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion,” the statement said.

According to the group, many Nigerians have suffered violent attacks in different parts of South Africa since the wave of xenophobic unrest began years ago.

The community noted that Nigerians have allegedly been victims of fatal mob attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful shootings, violent raids and deaths in police custody.

It stated that community records and reports gathered from civil society groups, media publications and migrant associations showed disturbing patterns of violence against Nigerians between 2019 and 2026.

The statement recalled that in 2019, several Nigerian-owned businesses, vehicles and shops were destroyed during widespread xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg and other areas.

The group said at least 12 Nigerians lost their lives during the attacks through mob violence and brutal assaults.

It added that in 2022, over 17 Nigerians reportedly died in separate incidents involving criminal attacks, alleged security brutality and vigilante-style killings.

The Nigerian community further claimed that more than 40 Nigerians lost their lives in 2023 alone under what it described as “troubling and unresolved circumstances.”

According to the statement, the deaths recorded in 2023 ranged from mob violence to alleged police misconduct and violent confrontations that were never fully investigated.

The group also disclosed that eight Nigerians reportedly died in 2024, while another eight deaths were recorded in 2025 through shootings, violent clashes and incidents in police custody.

It added that from January 2026 till date, more than 20 Nigerians had allegedly died during encounters involving security operatives, criminal gangs and suspected extrajudicial actions.

While acknowledging that some investigations were ongoing, the Nigerian community expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the absence of accountability and justice in many of the cases.

The group said the failure to secure prosecutions or transparent outcomes had increased fear and anxiety among Nigerians and other migrants living in South Africa.

“It is important to emphasise that our position is not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies, or judicial system,” the statement added.

The community also acknowledged that many South Africans continued to support peaceful coexistence and reject xenophobia.

Despite this, the group urged the South African government to take stronger steps to protect the lives and rights of all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

It called for transparent and impartial investigations into all reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody and alleged extrajudicial killings.

The Nigerian community also urged authorities to intensify efforts against mob justice, vigilantism and xenophobic violence.

The statement further appealed to the South African government to promote social integration, public education and community dialogue in order to reduce hatred and hostility against foreign nationals.

The group maintained that no suspect should be condemned without proper investigation and fair hearing in line with constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement said.

“Everyone remains innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty in a competent court of justice. We firmly believe that both South Africans and foreign nationals deserve equal protection under the law.”

The Nigerian community said it remained committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with South African authorities in pursuit of a safer society.