The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has called on authorities in South Africa to take urgent steps against perpetrators of a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks, as fear spreads among African migrant communities and diplomatic concerns intensify.
The latest incidents, which reportedly resurfaced earlier this month, have targeted African immigrants, particularly citizens of Ghana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.
According to reports from the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, two Nigerians identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed as tensions escalated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, warned that the security situation was deteriorating despite ongoing diplomatic engagements between both countries.
She said many Nigerians residing in South Africa now live in fear, with the hostile atmosphere beginning to affect their daily activities.
According to her, pupils of Nigerian descent are now afraid to attend school, while several business owners have shut their shops to avoid attacks, looting and harassment.
She added that community leaders have reported fresh cases of violence and intimidation within the last 72 hours.
“We state clearly that NiDCOM rejects the profiling and generalisation of all Nigerians. Crime has no nationality,” the statement read.
“Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law.
“However, collective punishment and blanket labelling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous.”
The commission urged South African authorities to increase police patrols in communities where Nigerians reside and operate businesses.
It also called for the swift arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in violence, arson and extortion.
NiDCOM further recommended the establishment of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement agencies, local government officials and diaspora representatives.
It said clear public messaging condemning xenophobia and warning against stereotyping was urgently needed to ease rising tensions.
Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that the commission remains in close contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as efforts continue to monitor developments.
She also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding, stay vigilant and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night, while authorities work to restore calm.
Observers say the renewed attacks could place fresh strain on diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa if urgent measures are not taken to address the violence.
