The Nigerian community in South Africa has disclosed that at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in the country during the last seven years, as a result of xenophobic attacks against migrants.
This is stated in a statement signed by the community’s leaders, Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu from the Nigerian Union South Africa and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, respectively.
The remark disputed a South African Broadcasting Corporation report ascribed to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which maintained that migrants were not being killed in South Africa.
“Denying or minimizing 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.
It stated that migrants, notably Nigerians, had been victims of fatal xenophobic incidents, including, as claimed, extrajudicial killings, mob attacks, vigilante violence, shootings, and unlawful use of force.
While acknowledging the necessity of responsible public communication and the need to avoid incendiary narratives, the community also emphasized the importance of exposing the harsh reality faced by Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
“According to records gathered from community reports, civil society engagements, media publications, and documented incidents within migrant communities, there have been numerous cases involving the deaths of Nigerians in South Africa under troubling and unresolved circumstances from 2019 till date.
“Available community records indicate that in 2019, many Nigerian businesses, shops, and cars were set ablaze through mob violence in a xenophobic unrest that swept through Johannesburg, and about 12 lives were lost through direct attacks, brutality, and mob justice.
“In 2022, over 17 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives through violent attacks, vigilante-style executions, criminal assaults, and alleged brutality by security personnel, while in 2023, more than 40 Nigerians were reported dead in incidents ranging from mob violence and alleged police misconduct to unresolved violent encounters,” it said.
The statement also claimed that about eight Nigerians reportedly lost their lives under tragic circumstances in 2024, while in 2025, eight others similarly died in shootings, violent confrontations, and deaths in police custody.
“Most recently, from January 2026 till date, over 20 Nigerians have reportedly died during physical encounters involving security personnel, criminal attacks, or suspected extrajudicial actions,” it added.
While noting ongoing investigations into some occurrences, the group voiced worry over the apparent absence of prosecutions, accountability, or transparent outcomes in many cases, which has exacerbated fear, anxiety, and mistrust among migrant populations.
“It is important to emphasize that our position is not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies, or judicial system.
“South Africa remains a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of human rights, equality, justice, and the rule of law. We also recognize that many South Africans continue to support peaceful coexistence and reject xenophobia,” it said.
The community encouraged South African authorities to step up measures to protect the lives and rights of all inhabitants, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
It also urged the country’s authorities to conduct full, transparent, and impartial investigations into all documented cases of violent attacks, deaths in custody, and alleged extrajudicial killings.
The group also encouraged the South African government to tighten steps to combat xenophobic violence, vigilantism, mob justice, and unlawful behavior by citizens or security forces.
It also directed the government to promote community discourse, social integration, and public education in order to reduce prejudice, stereotyping, and violence against foreign nationals.
The community also directed the South African government to ensure that suspects were not sentenced without a fair inquiry and due process, in conformity with the Constitution and the rule of law.
“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalized.
“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 remains committed to peace, lawful conduct, mutual respect, and constructive engagement with South African authorities and communities toward building a safer and more united society for all,” the statement disclosed.
