FG SAYS 98 NIGERIANS KILLED IN SOUTH AFRICA SINCE 2022, DEMANDS ACTION

The Federal Government has disclosed that 98 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022, raising fresh concerns over recurring xenophobic and hate-related attacks against Nigerian citizens living in the country.

Speaking during diplomatic engagements with South African officials, the government urged authorities in Pretoria to take urgent and decisive steps to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals from mob violence and targeted attacks. It stressed that while Nigeria does not condone criminal activities, anyone accused of wrongdoing should face prosecution through the legal system rather than vigilante justice or hate-driven violence.

The Federal Government warned that the continued attacks threaten the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies. It also called for greater accountability, stronger law enforcement, and effective measures to prevent future incidents.

South African authorities have reaffirmed their opposition to xenophobia, pledged to prosecute those responsible for the attacks, and promised to strengthen protections for foreign nationals as both countries work to ease diplomatic tensions.