At least 105 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa over the past seven years due to xenophobic attacks, according to a statement issued by leaders of the Nigerian community in the country. The figures, compiled from community reports, civil society engagements, media coverage, and documented incidents, highlight a disturbing pattern of violence targeting Nigerian migrants. The statement was signed by Smart Nwobi of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), who condemned the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) recent report that claimed migrants were not being killed in the country.
The Nigerian community dismissed the SABC report, which was attributed to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as misleading and potentially harmful. They warned that denying or downplaying the suffering of migrants discourages victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice and social cohesion. The statement emphasized that Nigerians have been victims of fatal xenophobic incidents, including mob attacks, vigilante violence, shootings, and alleged extrajudicial killings by security personnel.
According to the community’s records, 12 Nigerians lost their lives in 2019 during xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg, where businesses, shops, and vehicles were set ablaze. In 2022, over 17 Nigerians died in violent attacks, vigilante-style executions, and alleged brutality by security forces. The toll rose sharply in 2023, with more than 40 Nigerians reported dead in incidents involving mob violence, police misconduct, and unresolved violent encounters. In 2024, eight Nigerians reportedly died under tragic circumstances, while eight more lost their lives in 2025 due to shootings, violent confrontations, and deaths in police custody.
From January 2026 to the present, over 20 Nigerians have reportedly died during physical encounters with security personnel, criminal attacks, or suspected extrajudicial actions. The community expressed deep concern over the lack of prosecutions, accountability, or transparent outcomes in many of these cases, which has fueled fear, anxiety, and mistrust among migrant populations. While acknowledging South Africa’s democratic institutions and constitutional values, the group stressed that the government must do more to protect all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
The Nigerian community called on South African authorities to conduct thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations into all violent incidents involving migrants. They urged the government to strengthen measures against xenophobic violence, vigilantism, mob justice, and unlawful conduct by individuals or security personnel. They also recommended promoting community dialogue, social integration, and public education to combat hatred and stereotyping. The group emphasized that no one should be condemned without fair investigation and due process, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The Nigerian community remains committed to peace, lawful conduct, and mutual respect, and continues to engage constructively with South African authorities and communities. They believe that a safer, more united society can only be built when everyone is protected under the law. The call for justice and protection for Nigerians in South Africa reflects a growing demand for accountability and human rights in a nation striving to uphold its democratic ideals.
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