The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed grave concern over the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa within a four-day span, calling on South African authorities to conduct immediate, transparent, and expeditious investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
?According to a press statement released on Wednesday by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the deaths occurred in three separate incidents between September 18 and September 21, 2026.
?The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 after reportedly jumping from a building to escape police harassment in Bloemfontein; Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, who was reportedly killed on September 20 by an unidentified individual at a nightclub in Mamelodi East, Pretoria; and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died on September 21 following an incident in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, involving South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and his team.
?Condemning the incidents, the Nigerian government highlighted that these occurrences raise serious questions about the safety of foreign nationals and the effectiveness of measures meant to prevent targeted attacks.
Nigeria also raised concerns over alleged excessive force by law enforcement personnel, emphasizing that any interrogation or enforcement methods violating human rights standards are completely unacceptable.
?While reiterating its commitment to constructive dialogue and recalling prior engagements on xenophobia and Afrophobia with both ECOWAS and the African Union, the Federal Government noted that it is actively considering further measures to ensure the cooperation of South African authorities in protecting Nigerian citizens.
?The statement concluded with the government offering condolences to the bereaved families, while urging Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant, and in regular communication with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.
