Reps demand urgent diplomatic action over killings of Nigerians in South Africa

The House further mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs and other relevant committees to work with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to establish a 24-hour emergency response desk and a legal aid fund for distressed Nigerians. It also urged collaboration with the Federal Government to design and publicise an evacuation contingency plan for Nigerians in volatile regions, including logistical and financial support for returnees.

Lawmakers also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to register the country’s displeasure, demand an immediate end to the attacks, and secure time-bound assurances to protect Nigerians.

In addition, the House recommended a review of bilateral agreements with South Africa, including trade and aviation treaties, and proposed targeted economic measures such as a temporary suspension of new business permits for South African companies and a review of tax incentives granted to existing firms, pending concrete action to halt the violence, prosecute perpetrators and compensate victims.

The legislature also called for engagement with the South African Parliament through the Pan-African Parliament to advance legislative measures against xenophobia and hate crimes.

Moving the motion, Ojogo said the latest wave of violence in South Africa had escalated to alarming levels, with Nigerian nationals being selectively targeted.

He expressed concern over the killing of two Nigerians, Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel, in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.

According to him, “Andrew was arrested on April 19, 2026, in Booysens in Pretoria following an alleged altercation with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary, while Emmanuel died from injuries sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20, 2026.

According to him, both incidents were shocking as they involved South African Security personnel, adding that the killings came amid escalating xenophobic hostility, with a viral video showing threats, intimidation, and attempts by mobs to target foreign nationals.

He said the targeted attacks against Nigerian nationals are a demonstration of ingratitude, especially taking into cognisance of the roles of Nigeria in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, while saying that the trajectory in South Africa is a recipe for anger and reprisals in Nigeria, and there is a need to prevent such.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, described the issue of xenophobia in South Africa as an unfortunate development and a crime against fellow Africans, especially those who worked hard to liberate them from apartheid.