Abuja – Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner to Abuja amid growing alarm over anti-foreigner protests and the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the meeting was scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at its headquarters in Abuja. The ministry said the engagement was meant to formally convey Nigeria’s “profound concern” over recent events that threaten the cordial relations between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that two Nigerians had died in separate incidents involving South African security forces. Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25 from injuries sustained after he was beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth on April 20. Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged encounter with the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20. 
“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, adding that the Nigerian High Commission is closely monitoring investigations into both deaths and that Nigeria demands justice.
Anti-foreigner protests organised by a local anti-migration movement swept through Pretoria and Johannesburg between April 27 and 29, drawing heavily armed police who fired teargas to prevent demonstrators from turning violent. No Nigerian nationals were killed and no Nigerian-owned properties were destroyed during those specific protests, according to the minister’s situation report. However, the demonstrations were marked by xenophobic rhetoric, hate speech and incendiary statements from protest leaders, drawing worldwide condemnation.
President Bola Tinubu has directed that the situation be monitored closely, particularly as another round of demonstrations is planned for May 4 to 8. The president has also called on South African authorities to exercise more effective control over the unrest.
Nigerian authorities are now arranging voluntary repatriation flights for citizens in South Africa who wish to return home. So far, 130 Nigerians have registered with the Nigerian mission in South Africa, a figure expected to rise. Nigerian associations in the country are assisting the mission with the process.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the pattern of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa was not new, pointing out that it tends to intensify ahead of elections and is often exploited by opposition parties to attract votes. She said Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning mechanisms to protect citizens of both countries during periods of tension.
“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa,” she said. “Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and Police Affairs Minister Firoz Cachalia have all publicly opposed extrajudicial killings, destruction of property and xenophobic propaganda targeting foreign nationals.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, urged Nigerians to remain calm while assuring the public that the federal government remains committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of its citizens in South Africa.
