By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has condemned the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents in South Africa and called for thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Wednesday, said the three deaths occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, amid continuing concerns over xenophobia and Afrophobia affecting Nigerians and other Africans in parts of South Africa.
The first incident involved Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District of Bloemfontein.
Two days later, on September 20, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde was reportedly killed by an unidentified South African at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
The third incident occurred on September 21, when Christian Hillary Nnaemeka reportedly died following an incident involving South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, and members of his team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
The Federal Government said it was “deeply concerned” by the incidents and their timing, particularly against the backdrop of longstanding concerns over xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa.
It also raised concerns about the safety and protection of foreign nationals and questioned the effectiveness of measures being taken by South African authorities to prevent targeted attacks and ensure accountability for violations against foreigners.
The government further expressed concern over allegations of excessive or unlawful conduct by law enforcement personnel.
“Any use of interrogation or enforcement methods that contravene established legal and human rights standard is unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated,” it said.
Against this backdrop, Abuja called on the relevant South African authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the three deaths.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria calls on the relevant South African authorities to immediately undertake thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, and ensure that any persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with South African law,” the statement said.
The government said it remained committed to constructive dialogue as the preferred means of addressing concerns between both countries.
It recalled that Nigeria had consistently engaged the South African government over recurring challenges linked to xenophobia and Afrophobia and had previously raised the concerns with the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
“In light of these latest developments, the Federal Government of Nigeria is actively considering further appropriate measures to secure the cooperation of the South African authorities in addressing these concerns and protecting the rights and safety of Nigerian nationals,” it said.
Meanwhile, the government urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and security-conscious, while complying with the law amid what it described as prevailing security concerns in the country.
It also advised Nigerians to maintain regular contact with the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and Nigeria’s Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance whenever necessary.
The Federal Government prayed for the peaceful repose of Igwemmadu, Olatunde and Nnaemeka, while extending its condolences to their families, friends and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
It prayed that the bereaved families would “find strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.”
