The Federal Government has called for a comprehensive and impartial probe into the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa, while pushing to fast-track the rollout of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism aimed at addressing rising xenophobic tensions and threats against foreign nationals.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, made this known in Abuja on Monday during a media briefing after a closed-door meeting between Nigerian and South African diplomats.
The engagement involved the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, alongside other officials. The meeting followed diplomatic consultations directed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Government officials expressed concern over ongoing protests in parts of South Africa, where demonstrators have reportedly called for foreigners, particularly black Africans—to leave the country. Authorities warned that the situation has heightened fear among Nigerians residing there.
Nigeria also confirmed the deaths of two citizens, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, who allegedly died after sustaining injuries while in the custody of South African security agencies.
According to the government, the incidents have sparked anxiety within the Nigerian community and demand urgent and credible action from South African authorities. Nigeria formally requested a transparent investigation and full disclosure of findings to ensure justice for the victims.
The government further stressed the need for accountability and cooperation, including access to relevant documents and legal processes for the families of the deceased.
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 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 reported deaths, Nigeria raised alarm over threats linked to organised groups and urged preventive measures to forestall 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.
As part of diplomatic efforts, Nigeria said it is accelerating implementation of the Early Warning Mechanism agreed with South Africa to improve responses to such incidents. Officials disclosed that Nigeria received South Africa’s signed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding on Friday.
The government also urged South African authorities to take concrete steps to guarantee the safety of Nigerians living legally in the country and restore confidence.
It said, “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 domestic developments, the ministry acknowledged recent protests by Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja and appealed for calm.
Ebienfa noted that the Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, assured that Nigeria’s concerns would be relayed to her government.
Responding to questions over the absence of arrests and repeated assurances without visible action, the ministry said it is pressing for concrete outcomes, stressing that statements alone are insufficient.
“We are not satisfied with just statements. We need actions from the South African government,” Ebienfa said.
On Nigerians considering returning home, the ministry explained that affected individuals fall into different categories, including those who feel unsafe and those facing documentation challenges, noting that voluntary return is currently self-funded.
He added that the government may intervene if conditions deteriorate further.
On the possibility of diplomatic escalation, Ebienfa said Nigeria is keeping the situation under close watch and may take additional steps if necessary, emphasising that the government expects tangible results.
