The Federal Government has called for urgent investigations into the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as disturbing and demanding accountability.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the government said it received reports of the deaths with “grave concern,” noting that the incidents occurred within a four-day period between September 18 and 21, 2026.
According to the statement, the first case involved Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 in Bloemfontein. He was reported to have fallen from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District, allegedly while attempting to escape police harassment. Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear and require investigation.
The second incident occurred on September 20 in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, where Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde was reportedly killed at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club. He was said to have been attacked by an unidentified South African. Details of the altercation leading to his death were not fully established in the statement.
In the third case, Christian Hillary Nnaemeka died on September 21 following an encounter in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The incident reportedly involved South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, and members of his team. The exact sequence of events leading to his death has not been officially determined.
The Nigerian government condemned the incidents, expressing concern that they occurred amid ongoing reports of xenophobia and afrophobia affecting Nigerians and other African nationals in parts of South Africa.
It said the deaths raise serious concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and questioned the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure accountability.
The statement also warned against the use of enforcement or interrogation methods that violate established legal and human rights standards, stressing that any such actions must be thoroughly examined.
The Federal Government urged South African authorities to conduct thorough, transparent and swift investigations into each case and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
While reiterating its preference for dialogue in resolving bilateral concerns, Nigeria noted that it has consistently engaged South Africa on the need to address recurring cases of xenophobia and afrophobia. It added that similar concerns had previously been raised at meetings of ECOWAS and the African Union.
The government said it is considering further steps to secure cooperation from South African authorities in protecting Nigerian citizens and addressing the issues highlighted by the latest incidents.
Nigerians residing in South Africa were advised to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while staying alert to prevailing security concerns. They were also encouraged to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance where necessary.
The Federal Government extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa, praying for the repose of the victims’ souls.