The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised alarm over the killing of no fewer than 105 Nigerians in various violent incidents across the country within the last seven years, alleging that many of the deaths were linked to xenophobic attacks, mob violence and suspected extrajudicial actions.
The claim was made in a joint statement by the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), signed by their leaders, Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu.
The groups urged the South African authorities to urgently intensify protection for migrants and ensure accountability in cases involving deaths and attacks on foreign nationals.
They were reacting to a report attributed to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which suggested that migrants were not being killed in South Africa.
According to the diaspora organisations, such claims risk undermining the experiences of victims and discouraging reporting of abuses.
“Denying or minimising 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.
The groups said Nigerians had been repeatedly targeted in violent episodes over the years, including mob attacks, vigilante violence, shootings and alleged unlawful use of force by security operatives.
They added that their figures were compiled from community records, media reports and civil society engagements documenting incidents from 2019 to date.
According to the breakdown provided, about 12 Nigerians were killed in 2019 during a wave of xenophobic violence that also saw Nigerian-owned shops and vehicles set ablaze in parts of Johannesburg.
In 2022, the groups said over 17 Nigerians lost their lives in violent attacks, alleged police brutality and vigilante-style killings.
They further claimed that more than 40 Nigerians were killed in 2023 under circumstances ranging from mob attacks to alleged misconduct by security personnel.
For 2024, about eight deaths were recorded, while another eight Nigerians reportedly died in 2025 in shootings, violent confrontations and custody-related incidents.
The statement added that from January 2026 to date, over 20 Nigerians had died in incidents involving security operatives, criminal attacks and suspected extrajudicial actions.
The diaspora organisations, however, expressed concern over what they described as a lack of transparency and accountability in many of the cases, noting that prosecutions and investigative outcomes had remained limited.
They stressed that their position was not intended to undermine South Africa’s institutions, but to draw attention to worsening insecurity affecting foreign nationals.
“South Africa remains a constitutional democracy founded on human rights, equality, justice and the rule of law. We also recognise that many South Africans continue to support peaceful coexistence and reject xenophobia,” the statement added.
The groups called on the South African government to strengthen measures aimed at preventing xenophobic violence, mob justice and unlawful conduct by both civilians and security personnel.
They also urged authorities to ensure thorough, transparent and impartial investigations into all reported killings, including deaths in custody and alleged extrajudicial actions.
Additionally, they advocated stronger community engagement and public enlightenment campaigns to reduce hatred, stereotyping and violence against migrants.
The organisations further insisted that due process must be strictly followed in handling suspects, warning against summary judgment outside the law.
