Fresh xenophobic tensions in South Africa have resulted in the deaths of two Nigerians, sparking fear within the diaspora community and prompting diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew lost their lives in separate incidents linked to growing hostility toward foreign nationals.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed that Emmanuel reportedly died from injuries sustained after allegedly being assaulted by members of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.

She also revealed that Andrew was detained on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

According to the Nigerian mission, both incidents involving security personnel have caused shock among the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic officials.

A formal complaint has been lodged with the South African Police Service, while the Nigerian consulate has appealed to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incidents.

The mission stressed that no individual should take the law into their own hands, insisting that all allegations should be handled through lawful judicial processes. It also warned against the growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals.

Amid the rising tension, several videos circulating online have shown incidents of intimidation and threats directed at foreign nationals. In one of the clips, a Nigerian trader was confronted during an anti-immigrant protest and told to leave the country with his family despite explaining that he had lived and worked in South Africa for years.

Another incident involved the fatal shooting of an Ethiopian national in downtown Johannesburg. CCTV footage shared online showed the victim being approached and shot at close range, raising further concerns about the safety of foreigners in the country. Authorities said investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made.

The South African Police Service condemned acts of intimidation against foreign nationals, describing them as unlawful and contrary to the principles of equality, dignity, and human rights.

Reacting to the situation, the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) expressed concern over what it described as increasing hostility, harassment, and alleged police brutality against Nigerians and other African migrants.

NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, called on Nigerian authorities and African leaders to urgently intervene through diplomatic channels. He stressed that Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding residents who contribute positively to society and should not be collectively criminalised or stereotyped.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission also issued a safety advisory, warning Nigerians about escalating protests in areas such as Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of looting, violence, and destruction of property have been reported. Nigerians were urged to remain law-abiding, avoid confrontations, and closely monitor developments.

Despite the tension, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, stated that Nigerians were not under siege and that authorities from both countries were working to manage the situation. He described the incidents as isolated cases and assured that efforts were ongoing to ensure the safety of residents and foreign nationals.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the issue during his Freedom Day speech, urging foreign nationals living legally in the country to respect South Africa’s laws and traditions. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human rights and constitutional values.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government formally called on South Africa to guarantee the safety of Nigerians and other Africans residing in the country. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed concern over recent attacks on foreign nationals and urged South African authorities to take stronger measures to protect lives and property.

The ministry noted that both countries share longstanding historical and diplomatic ties dating back to the anti-apartheid struggle and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with South Africa.