Following the murders of two Nigerians in South Africa, the Federal Government has requested immediate accountability from the country, claiming that the events endanger both its citizens’ safety and diplomatic ties.
Lesoli Machele, South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, was summoned by the Federal Government to a meeting in Abuja on Monday with Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, both purportedly connected to assaults by South African security personnel, are at the center of the disagreement, according to a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
“It was reported that on 21 April 2026, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Before his death, he reportedly sustained injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force,” the ministry stated.
“The circumstances of his detention and death have raised concerns regarding the conduct of the security personnel involved. Also, on 25 April 2026, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel”, the ministry added.
Nigeria denounced what it called growing animosity toward immigrants in addition to the fatalities.
In order to ensure the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, the Federal Government called for “clear directives” against profiling, adherence to due process during arrests and detention, and strict enforcement of professional conduct standards by relevant agencies.
“The government of Nigeria notes with concern the ongoing protests in some parts of South Africa, requesting foreigners, especially blacks, to leave the country,” the statement reads, adding that “some of the videos of the violent protests are very disturbing”, the ministry reiterated.
“We therefore request thorough and impartial investigations into both deaths, including prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates with the government of Nigeria.”
The ministry also inquired “full cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files, and in facilitating access to legal processes for the families of the deceased.
The ministry further added that it is aware of the protest by a small group of Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja on Friday regarding the issue of growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians over the unacceptable treatment of Nigerians, but urges everyone to remain calm and refrain from trying to enforce the law on their own.
What is happening in South Africa?
Protests against illegal immigration are causing a great deal of tension in South Africa, as mobs continue to damage factories and retail centers while protesters target foreigners in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
As a result of the crackdown, immigrants, including Nigerians, are beginning to evacuate the cities of South Africa.
