President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed intensified monitoring of the ongoing anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, as the Federal Government raises fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians and calls for justice following recent incidents.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this while presenting a situation report, noting that security agencies are on alert ahead of another round of demonstrations scheduled from May 4 to 8.
“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests. The priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said, adding that the President’s directive reflects Nigeria’s commitment to preventing further harm to its nationals.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described images circulating across media platforms showing violence and xenophobic rhetoric as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” noting that the developments have drawn widespread international concern.
She, however, acknowledged that top South African officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have publicly denounced xenophobia, extra-judicial killings, and the destruction of foreign-owned properties.
According to the minister, protests held between April 27 and 29 in Pretoria and Johannesburg were largely peaceful under heavy police presence, with no confirmed attacks on Nigerians recorded during that period.
Despite the relative calm, she revealed that two Nigerians died earlier in separate incidents involving security personnel. Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel reportedly succumbed to injuries allegedly sustained after being assaulted by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth. In a separate case, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew was reported dead following an encounter with metro police, with his body later discovered in a Pretoria mortuary.
“These incidents are utterly condemnable and unacceptable. Nigeria demands that justice be done,” the minister stated, adding that the Nigerian High Commission is closely monitoring ongoing investigations.
She further confirmed that Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja as diplomatic engagements intensify to address the situation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerian missions in South Africa are collaborating with local authorities to minimise risks to citizens, while arrangements are underway for the voluntary repatriation of those willing to return home. Approximately 130 Nigerians have so far registered for the exercise.
Highlighting Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa’s liberation struggle, the minister warned that recurring xenophobic attacks—often linked to political tensions—must be decisively addressed.
“Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk,” she said, noting that both countries are engaging through existing frameworks, including an early warning mechanism, to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, addressing a separate administrative issue, an official stated that the APM has yet to formally communicate with the commission, assuring that necessary steps will be taken to update the relevant portal.
Comments