By Akinwale Kasali
Following the rise in xenophobic attacks by South Africans on foreign nationals, the Federal Government has demanded for an urgent, thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians.
The demand is a move by the FG to fast-track the implementation of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism to address rising xenophobic tensions and threats against foreign nationals in South Africa.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this known in Abuja, the nation’s Capital after a closed-door meeting between Nigeria and South Africa’s diplomatic representatives.
The meeting was held between the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, among other diplomats, following engagements directed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The government said it was worried about ongoing protests in parts of South Africa where groups were calling on foreigners, especially black Africans, to leave the country, noting that the situation had heightened fear among Nigerians.
Nigeria also confirmed the deaths of two of its citizens, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, who reportedly died after sustaining injuries while in the custody of South African security agencies.
The government said the incidents had triggered anxiety within the Nigerian community and required urgent and credible action from South African authorities.
Nigeria formally demanded a transparent investigation and full disclosure of findings to ensure justice for the victims.
The government also stressed the need for accountability and cooperation in the investigation process, including access to key documents and legal procedures for the victims’ families.
Ebienfa said: “The government of Nigeria notes with concerns the ongoing protests in some parts of South Africa, requesting foreigners, especially blacks, to leave the country. Some of the videos of the violent protests are very disturbing, considering the friendly and cordial relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa.
“The Ministry has also been informed of the reported unfortunate death of two Nigerians – Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro due to injuries sustained while in the custody of South African security agencies.
“On April 21, 2026, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Prior to his death, he reportedly sustained injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force.
‘’On April 25, 2026, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape, following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.
“The circumstances of his detention and death have raised concerns regarding the conduct of the security personnel involved. These incidents have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community and require urgent, credible remedial action.
“We, therefore, request a thorough and impartial investigations into both deaths, including prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates with the government of Nigeria.
“Nigeria also seeks full cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post mortem documentation and relevant case files. Nigeria emphasises the need for accountability where wrongdoing is established, including appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action against implicated personnel.”
Beyond the deaths, Nigeria raised alarm over threats linked to organised groups and called for proactive steps to prevent violence.
“The government of Nigeria expressed strong concern over reported threats against foreign nationals in South Africa and emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent incitement, intimidation, or violence,’’ Ebienfa said.
Ebienfa also added that the government said it was accelerating the implementation of the Early Warning Mechanism agreed between both countries to improve response to such crises, adding that Nigeria received the signed copy of the agreement from South Africa on Friday.
The government also called on South Africa to take concrete steps to protect Nigerians living lawfully in the country and restore confidence.
“Nigeria welcomes the signing of the MoU on Early Warning Mechanism and called for the speedy activation and implementation as a practical channel for rapid information sharing and de-escalation when threats to Nigerians emerge.
“I can also inform that the MoU on Early Warning Mechanism; we received the copy signed by South Africa on Friday.
“The government of South Africa should ensure the protection of Nigerians living lawfully in the country and ensure Nigerians can live in South Africa safely and with dignity,’’ he said.
On developments in Nigeria, the foreign affairs ministry spokesman acknowledged recent protests by Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja, urging restraint.
According to him, the Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, assured that Nigeria’s concerns will be conveyed to her government.
The ministry’s spokesperson also stressed that Nigeria expectsed more than statements from South African authorities.
“We are not satisfied with just statements. We need actions from the South African government,” Ebienfa said.
On Nigerians seeking to return home, the ministry said there were different categories, including those who felt unsafe and those with documentation issues, noting that voluntary return remained self-funded for now.
He added that government might step in if the situation worsened.
On possible diplomatic escalation, he said Nigeria might take further actions if necessary, stressing that the government was closely monitoring the situation and expected concrete outcomes.
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