The Nigerian community in South Africa has disclosed that no fewer than 105 Nigerians have lost their lives in the country since 2019 amid recurring xenophobic attacks and violence targeting foreign nationals.
The revelation was contained in a joint statement issued by leaders of the Nigerian Union South Africa and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu.
The community leaders were reacting to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation, allegedly quoting the country’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which claimed that migrants were not being killed in South Africa.
According to the statement, dismissing or downplaying the concerns of migrant communities could discourage victims and witnesses from speaking up while also weakening efforts toward justice and peaceful coexistence.
The group stated that Nigerians and other migrants have continued to face fatal xenophobic incidents, including mob attacks, vigilante violence, shootings, alleged extrajudicial killings, and unlawful use of force over the years.
Providing a breakdown of incidents, the community revealed that in 2019, several Nigerian-owned businesses, shops, and vehicles were destroyed during xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg, with about 12 Nigerians reportedly losing their lives.
The statement added that over 17 Nigerians were allegedly killed in 2022 through violent attacks, criminal assaults, vigilante-style executions, and alleged brutality by security operatives.
In 2023, the number reportedly rose to over 40 deaths involving mob violence, unresolved attacks, and alleged police misconduct.
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The community further claimed that eight Nigerians died under tragic circumstances in 2024, while another eight reportedly lost their lives in 2025 through shootings, violent confrontations, and deaths in police custody.
According to the statement, more than 20 Nigerians have also died between January 2026 and the present period due to criminal attacks, encounters with security personnel, and suspected extrajudicial actions.
The organisations expressed concern over what they described as a lack of accountability and transparent investigations in many of the reported cases, saying the situation has created fear and mistrust among migrants.
Despite the concerns, the Nigerian community reaffirmed its respect for South Africa’s democratic institutions and acknowledged that many South Africans continue to reject xenophobia and support peaceful coexistence.
The group, however, urged South African authorities to strengthen protection for all residents regardless of nationality, ensure impartial investigations into violent incidents, and intensify efforts against xenophobic violence, mob justice, and unlawful conduct by both individuals and security personnel.
They also called for greater community dialogue and public education to combat hatred, stereotyping, and violence against foreign nationals.
“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement noted.
The community reiterated its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement with South African authorities in pursuit of a safer and more united society.
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