Story perspectives

Nigeria reports two citizens killed amid South Africa anti-immigrant protests

7/5/2026

Summary

Nigeria Decries Killings

Nigeria reports two of its nationals were killed on June 28 in South Africa during anti-immigrant protests.
The ministry said one victim was allegedly killed by police officers while the other was killed by unidentified attackers.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said the killings show foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa.
The violence prompted Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to repatriate citizens and summon South African diplomats.

Summary

South Africa Rejects

Cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said South Africa will not pay compensation and urged Nigerians to sell any registered property they own there.
She also demanded information on alleged Nigerian drug dens and called for urgent drug-cleaning.
Abuja placed South Africa “on notice” and warned all options remain if foreigner intolerance persists.
Anti-migrant groups set a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreigners, prompting Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria to start repatriations.

Summary

Nigeria Issues Warnings

Nigeria warned that all options remain on the table and may take further measures if attacks continue.
Nigeria said leaders of March on March and Operation Dudula could face regional and international criminal liability.
Over 800 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa, with more than 1,000 registered for repatriation.
Nigeria’s foreign minister demanded explanation and compensation from Côte d’Ivoire after trader Usama Murtala died in detention.

Summary

Wilson Abandons Shop

Oghodero Erejor Wilson, a 32-year-old Nigerian trader, abandoned his clothing shop in Centurion, Gauteng, and now lives near the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.
Wilson estimates the abandoned inventory is worth more than 16,000 rand ($975; £735).
He says his residency documents expired in 2021 and he could not renew them, prompting his departure.
Wilson expressed little hope that the South African government will compensate his losses.

History

Historical Context

In May 2008 xenophobic riots in Johannesburg killed at least 62 foreign nationals and led to 1,300 arrests, prompting African National Congress condemnation. A similar outbreak in September 2019 left seven dead and over 680 arrests, underscoring recurring anti-immigrant unrest. June 2024 protests that killed two Nigerians now pressure minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni to reform immigration law as the African Union watches.

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Nigeria Decries Killings

Nigeria reports two of its nationals were killed on June 28 in South Africa during anti-immigrant protests.
The ministry said one victim was allegedly killed by police officers while the other was killed by unidentified attackers.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said the killings show foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa.
The violence prompted Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to repatriate citizens and summon South African diplomats.

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