The Federal Government has stated that no Nigerian was killed and no Nigerian-owned property was damaged during recent anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known in a situation report titled “South Africa Protests: Situation Report”, shared on her X handle on Sunday.
She said the Federal Government was closely observing rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner demonstrations in selected cities in South Africa, noting that President Bola Tinubu had expressed concern over the development and directed strengthened diplomatic engagement.
According to her, while viral images circulating on social media suggested violence and xenophobic attacks, official accounts from South African authorities indicated that recent protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg between 27 and 29 April 2026 were largely peaceful, though security operatives at times used tear gas to disperse gatherings.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, noted that two Nigerians reportedly died in separate incidents not directly connected to the protests, involving alleged encounters with security personnel.
She identified one of the deceased as Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, who reportedly died from injuries sustained during an encounter with military personnel of the South African National Defence Force, while another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, was found dead after an alleged encounter with metro police officers.
She described both incidents as “condemnable and unacceptable,” adding that the Nigerian High Commission was following up on investigations to ensure justice.
The minister also disclosed that another round of demonstrations was expected between 4 and 8 May 2026, while the Federal Government had stepped up diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.
She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria had summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria over the development, while Nigerian missions in South Africa remained in constant contact with host authorities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that arrangements were ongoing for voluntary repatriation of Nigerians willing to return home, with about 130 people already registered for evacuation.
She stressed that Nigeria remained committed to safeguarding its citizens abroad and working with South Africa to prevent further xenophobic tensions, recalling Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during its liberation struggle.
She also noted that both countries had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms aimed at preventing and managing crises affecting citizens of both nations.
