Xenophobic attacks claim 105 Nigerian lives in South Africa in 7 years — Groups

Leaders of the Nigerian community in South Africa have alleged that at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in the country over the past seven years amid recurring xenophobic attacks and violent incidents targeting foreign nationals.

The allegation was contained in a joint statement issued by the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), following renewed concerns over attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa.

The statement was jointly signed by the President of NUSA, Smart Nwobi, and the President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu.

The organisations accused South African authorities and sections of the media of downplaying the scale of violence faced by migrant communities.

They specifically rejected a report attributed to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which cited South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) as claiming that migrants were not being killed in the country.

According to the Nigerian groups, denying or minimising reports of violence against migrants could weaken public trust, discourage victims from speaking out, and undermine efforts aimed at justice and peaceful coexistence.

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“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 read.

The organisations alleged that Nigerians and other migrants have over the years been subjected to xenophobic attacks, mob violence, vigilante actions, alleged extra-judicial killings, shootings, criminal assaults, and unlawful use of force by security operatives.

They said records compiled from community reports, civil society engagements, media publications, and documented incidents showed a disturbing pattern of deaths involving Nigerians since 2019.

According to the groups, at least 12 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives during the xenophobic unrest that swept through Johannesburg in 2019, while several Nigerian-owned businesses, shops, and vehicles were destroyed during the violence.

The organisations further claimed that more than 17 Nigerians were killed in 2022 through violent attacks, vigilante-style executions, criminal assaults, and alleged security brutality.

They also alleged that over 40 Nigerians died in 2023 in incidents linked to mob violence, unresolved violent encounters, and alleged police misconduct.

In 2024, the groups said about eight Nigerians allegedly died under tragic circumstances, while another eight reportedly lost their lives in 2025 through shootings, violent confrontations, and deaths in police custody.

The organisations added that from January 2026 till date, more than 20 Nigerians had reportedly died during encounters involving security personnel, criminal attacks, or suspected extra-judicial actions.

The renewed concerns come amid growing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over the treatment of Nigerian citizens residing in the Southern African nation.

According to the groups, the situation has heightened fear, anxiety, and mistrust among migrant communities living in South Africa.

Despite their concerns, the organisations stated that they were not seeking to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions 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 recognise that many South Africans continue to support peaceful coexistence and reject xenophobia,” the statement added.

In addition, the organisations urged authorities to strengthen measures against xenophobia, vigilantism, mob justice, and unlawful conduct by both private individuals and security personnel.