NIGERIA CONDEMNS RECENT KILLINGS OF THREE NATIONALS IN SOUTH AFRICA, CALLS FOR THOROUGH AND EXPEDITIOUS INVESTIGATIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

NO: MFA/PR/2026/260

NIGERIA CONDEMNS RECENT KILLINGS OF THREE NATIONALS IN SOUTH AFRICA, CALLS FOR THOROUGH AND EXPEDITIOUS INVESTIGATIONS

The Federal Government of Nigeria has received with grave concern, reports of the deaths of three Nigerian nationals that occurred in three separate incidents between 18th and 21st September, 2026. On 18th September 2026, Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, died after allegedly jumping from a building while trying to escape from police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Central Business District (CBD), Bloemfontein.

On 20th September 2026, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, was reportedly killed by an unidentified South African at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. On 21st September 2026, 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 of Nigeria condemns these incidents and is deeply concerned by their occurrence at a time when Nigerians and other Africans continue to face challenges associated with Xenophobia and Afrophobia in parts of South Africa.

The reported incidents also raise serious concerns regarding the safety and protection of foreign nationals, as well as the effectiveness of measures being taken by the relevant South African authorities to prevent targeted attacks and ensure accountability for violations against foreigners.

The Federal Government is equally concerned by allegations of excessive or unlawful conduct by law enforcement personnel entrusted with the protection of lives and property. Any use of interrogation or enforcement methods that contravene established legal and human rights standard is unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated.

In this regard, 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 Federal Government of Nigeria reiterates constructive dialogue as the preferred means of addressing bilateral concerns, and recalls that it has consistently engaged the Government of South Africa on the need to tackle recurring challenges of Xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Nigeria has previously brought these concerns to the attention of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of 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. Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria urges Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant, law-abiding, and security conscious particularly in view of the prevailing security rconcerns in South Africa, including reported incidents of Xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on vulnerable Africans.

Nigerians in South Africa are further encouraged 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 of Nigeria prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of late Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.

The Federal Government also extends its deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa and prays that they find strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.

Signed:

Oluwafemi Adeniyi

Spokesperson

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Abuja Wednesday,

30 September 2026