The Federal Government has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa while intensifying efforts to address rising xenophobic tensions through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this on Monday in Abuja following a closed door meeting between its Permanent Secretary Dunoma Umar Ahmed and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria Lesoli Machele. The meeting was convened at the instance of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa Nigeria raised concerns over recent protests in parts of South Africa where some groups have called for foreigners to leave. The government also confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chibere Amaramiro who reportedly d after sustaining injuries while in custody of South African security agencies.
Ekpeyong was said to have d on April 21 2026 while in custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department while Amaramiro d on April 25 at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape. Nigerian authorities described the circumstances surrounding both deaths as deeply concerning and called for full accountability.
The government demanded transparent investigations including access to autopsy reports post mortem records and complete case files. It also urged South African authorities to ensure disciplinary or legal action against any officials found culpable.
Beyond the deaths Nigeria expressed concern over threats against foreign nationals and called for urgent preventive measures. It also revealed plans to fast track the implementation of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism aimed at improving communication and preventing escalation of tensions.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad stating that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further steps if necessary.
Leave a comment