Nigeria condemns fresh killing of its citizens in South Africa

The Nigerian government has condemned the killing of three of its citizens in South Africa in separate incidents between September 18 and 21, 2026.

In a statement, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the ministry received reports of the deaths with deep concern.

The statement identified the victims as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.

According to the ministry, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while trying to escape police harassment in Bloemfontein.

Olatunde was reportedly killed at a nightclub in Pretoria on September 20, while Nnaemeka reportedly died following an incident involving a South African politician and an investigative content creator in Ekurhuleni on September 21.

“The Federal Government expressed deep concern that the incidents occurred at a time when Nigerians continue to face xenophobia and Afrophobia in parts of South Africa,” the ministry said.

The government called on South African authorities to undertake thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

It also urged Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, and to maintain contact with the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg for assistance.