Amid worsening unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate, in partnership with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has introduced a free repatriation flight for Nigerians willing to permanently return home.
The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, revealed to Dip Connect Online News that the escalating violence has forced many Nigerians to shut down their shops and businesses.
He explained that although there is no formal support system currently in place for affected Nigerians, the consulate’s intervention offers a critical exit option. According to him, many Nigerians have already begun indicating interest in returning home.
“The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home,” Onyekwelu stated.
Rising Fear Among Nigerians
Nigerians living across South Africa have shared distressing accounts, describing how recurring violence continues to threaten their safety, livelihoods, and mental well-being. Many reported staying indoors in fear as attacks targeting foreign nationals intensify.
Violent anti-foreigner protests have erupted in major cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. These protests have resulted in harassment, looting, destruction of property, and injuries.
The situation has triggered widespread panic within the Nigerian diaspora community, prompting the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to advise Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down operations to minimize risks.
Drivers of the Protests
Reports indicate that the unrest is being fueled by anti-immigration groups and social movements such as Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement. These groups claim migrants are responsible for economic hardship and rising crime.
Protesters have been demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia.
Reported Killings and Violence
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians—Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew—in separate incidents.
The Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
Andrew was reportedly apprehended on April 19 in Pretoria’s Booysens area following an altercation with the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
In a separate incident, an Ethiopian national was shot dead in downtown Johannesburg, heightening fears among foreign nationals. CCTV footage showed the victim being shot at close range without provocation. Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with no arrests made yet.
Police Response
The South African Police Service condemned the attacks, describing them as unlawful and contrary to democratic values.
“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded,” the police stated.
Nigerians Count Losses
Nigerian business owners have reported heavy losses due to widespread looting and destruction of foreign-owned businesses.
A restaurant operator in Johannesburg, Yemisi Adewale, recounted narrowly escaping an attack.
She described the violence as targeted and deliberate, noting that protesters specifically attack businesses owned by Nigerians and Ghanaians.
“This is not a genuine protest. They are using the rally as a cover to steal and destroy our businesses,” she said.
Adewale added that despite police presence, looting continues unchecked, forcing many business owners to shut down completely.
Another trader, who spoke anonymously, described the unrest as organized violence disguised as protest, stating that hundreds of shops have already been looted and that fear has crippled commercial activities.
Rural and Informal Settlements Most Affected
Diaspora leaders say the violence has been most severe in informal settlements where small-scale traders operate.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in South Africa, ABC Okokoh, noted that many affected individuals are low-income traders struggling to survive.
“The people affected most are those staying in informal settlements… many of them rely on small businesses to survive,” he said.
Okokoh added that not all parts of South Africa are affected and accused some local actors of exploiting the unrest for political purposes.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
The President of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora in South Africa, Olusola Agbeniyi, disputed claims linking deaths directly to the protests.
“As of today, there has not been any casualty. The killing of the two people is unconnected with this protest,” he said.
He added that security forces have helped contain violence in many areas, although affected zones remain tense.
Diplomatic Engagement Ongoing
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission confirmed that there is no official update yet but stated that the matter has been escalated.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is currently engaging South African authorities, with Nigerians awaiting the outcome of ongoing diplomatic discussions.
This developing situation continues to raise serious concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and the long-term impact on Nigeria–South Africa relations.
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