The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged the South African government to take firm action against those responsible for the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians and other African migrants.
Recent incidents of violence, which resurfaced this month, have reportedly targeted foreign nationals, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Zimbabweans. The situation has raised alarm among diplomatic officials and diaspora communities.
On Monday, the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed that two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, lost their lives during the unrest.
Reacting to the development, NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, warned that the crisis appears to be worsening despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Nigeria and South Africa.
The commission noted that the impact of the attacks has extended beyond isolated incidents, with Nigerian families now living in fear.
Children of Nigerian origin are reportedly avoiding school, while many business owners have shut their shops due to concerns over looting, harassment, and targeted violence.
Community leaders, according to the statement, have also recorded new cases of intimidation and attacks within the last 72 hours.
READ ALSO: Xenophobia: Nigerians In South Africa Urge FG, African Leaders To Intervene
“We state clearly that NIDCOM rejects the profiling and generalisation of all Nigerians. Crime has no nationality,” the statement reads.
“Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law.
“However, collective punishment and blanket labeling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous.”
NiDCOM called for immediate and practical steps to address the situation, including stronger police presence in affected communities, swift arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks, and closer collaboration between authorities and diaspora representatives.
The commission also recommended the creation of a joint Nigeria-South Africa safety platform involving security agencies, local officials, and community leaders to monitor and respond to threats.
It further urged South African authorities to publicly condemn xenophobia and discourage narratives that fuel hostility against foreigners.
Dabiri-Erewa added that NiDCOM remains in active communication with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She also advised Nigerians in South Africa to stay vigilant, obey local laws, and avoid areas considered unsafe, especially during late hours.