The Federal Government has formally confronted South Africa over the killing of 98 Nigerian citizens, demanding immediate action to end recurring xenophobic attacks and guarantee the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The diplomatic protest was delivered during a high-level meeting in Abuja with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited Nigeria as a special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the continued attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants have become unacceptable, warning that the violence is straining relations between both countries. He urged South Africa to ensure perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted while providing stronger protection for foreign nationals.
According to Nigerian officials, at least 98 Nigerians have been killed since 2022 in mob attacks, hate crimes and other violent incidents in South Africa. Abuja also raised concerns over what it described as inadequate responses by South African authorities to repeated attacks targeting its citizens.
In response, Lamola reiterated that the South African government opposes xenophobia and pledged to strengthen law enforcement, improve early-warning mechanisms and ensure those responsible for attacks face justice. Both countries also agreed to continue diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration in bilateral relations.
