The Nigerian community in South Africa has said that at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in the country over the past seven years amid recurring xenophobic attacks and violence targeting migrants.
The claim was made in a statement jointly signed by Smart Nwobi of the Nigerian Union South Africa and Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa.
The statement was issued in response to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation attributed to the country’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which reportedly stated that migrants were not being killed in South Africa.
The Nigerian community rejected the claim, warning that denying or downplaying concerns raised by migrants could discourage victims and witnesses from reporting abuses.
“Denying or minimising the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion,” the statement said.
The group said migrants, particularly Nigerians, had for years been victims of fatal xenophobic incidents, including alleged extrajudicial killings, mob attacks, vigilante violence, shootings and unlawful use of force.
While acknowledging the need for responsible public communication and the avoidance of inflammatory narratives, the community said it was equally important to recognise the realities experienced by Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
According to the statement, records compiled from community reports, civil society engagements, media publications and documented incidents showed numerous cases involving the deaths of Nigerians in troubling and unresolved circumstances from 2019 to date.
The group said many Nigerian-owned businesses, shops and vehicles were destroyed during xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg in 2019, with about 12 Nigerians reportedly killed through mob attacks and related violence.
It added that more than 17 Nigerians reportedly died in 2022 from violent attacks, vigilante-style killings, criminal assaults and alleged brutality by security personnel.
According to the community, more than 40 Nigerians were reported dead in 2023 in incidents involving mob violence, alleged police misconduct and unresolved violent encounters.
The statement further claimed that about eight Nigerians died in 2024 under what it described as tragic circumstances, while another eight reportedly died in 2025 from shootings, violent confrontations and deaths in police custody.
It added that more than 20 Nigerians had reportedly died between January 2026 and the present in incidents involving security personnel, criminal attacks or suspected extrajudicial actions.
The community expressed concern over what it described as a lack of prosecutions, accountability and transparent outcomes in many of the reported incidents, saying the situation had deepened fear and mistrust among migrants.
The group, however, said its position was not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies or judicial system.
“South Africa remains a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of human rights, equality, justice and the rule of law,” the statement said, adding that many South Africans continued to reject xenophobia and support peaceful coexistence.
The Nigerian community urged South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect the lives and rights of all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
It also called for transparent and impartial investigations into reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody and alleged extrajudicial killings.
The group further urged the government to strengthen measures against xenophobic violence, vigilantism, mob justice and unlawful conduct by security personnel or individuals.
It also advocated increased community dialogue, social integration and public education to discourage hatred, stereotyping and violence against foreign nationals.
The statement stressed that suspects should not be condemned without proper investigation and due process in line with constitutional provisions and the rule of law.
“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the group said.
It added that both South Africans and foreign nationals deserved equal protection under the law and reaffirmed the Nigerian community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with authorities and local communities.
