Nigeria reacts to deaths of three citizens in South Africa

The Nigerian government has condemned the deaths of three citizens in separate incidents in South Africa. They are calling for thorough, clear, and quick investigations into what happened.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Wednesday, signed by spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi. The statement says the incidents happened between September 18 and 21, 2026.

The three deceased are Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.

According to the statement, Igwemmadu died on September 18. He allegedly jumped from a building while trying to escape police harassment at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in Bloemfontein’s Central Business District.

Olatunde was reportedly killed by an unknown South African at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, on September 20.

Nnaemeka died on September 21 after an incident involving South African politician and content creator Xolani Khumalo and his team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.

The Nigerian government expressed deep concern about these incidents, especially given the rising reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

"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 statement said.

The government also expressed worry about the safety of foreign nationals. They questioned the effectiveness of measures by South African authorities to prevent attacks and hold those responsible accountable.

They raised concerns about allegations of excessive or unlawful behavior by law enforcement officers. "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 violate legal and human rights standards is unacceptable and must be investigated thoroughly," it stated.

Nigeria urged the appropriate South African authorities to start immediate investigations into these deaths and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

"In this regard, the Federal Government of Nigeria calls on the relevant South African authorities to immediately undertake thorough, transparent, and quick 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 Nigerian government prefers constructive dialogue to solve these issues. They said they have consistently engaged South Africa about ongoing cases of xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Nigeria has previously raised these concerns with the Economic Community of West African States and 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," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the government advised Nigerians in South Africa to stay calm, vigilant, lawful, and aware of their surroundings due to ongoing security concerns.

They also encouraged Nigerians to keep in regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for any consular assistance needed.

The government expressed condolences to the families, friends, and the broader Nigerian community in South Africa over the deaths of Igwemmadu, Olatunde, and Nnaemeka.