ESCALATING XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS FORCE NIGERIANS TO CONSIDER LEAVING SOUTH AFRICA

Amid escalating unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered free repatriation flights to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.

NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed that the initiative is already underway, with many Nigerians indicating interest due to worsening insecurity.

“The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight… and the process is ongoing,” he said.

Rising fear amid violent protests

The development follows a surge in anti-foreigner protests across major cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The protests—linked to groups such as Operation Dudula—have led to harassment, looting, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses, sparking panic among migrant communities.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians to shut down businesses temporarily to minimise risks.

Many affected Nigerians say they are now living in fear, forced to stay indoors as attacks increasingly target foreign nationals, particularly traders.

Confirmed deaths and incidents

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians: Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.

According to Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Emmanuel allegedly died after being assaulted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force, while Andrew died following an encounter with metro police in Pretoria.

In a separate incident, an Ethiopian national was shot dead in downtown Johannesburg, further heightening fears among foreign residents.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with no arrests yet made.

Businesses shut, losses mount

Nigerian traders have reported widespread looting and destruction of businesses.

A restaurant owner in Johannesburg, Yemisi Adewale, described the attacks as targeted and relentless.

“They are using the protest as a cover to loot and destroy our businesses… Once your shop is open, they attack immediately,” she said.

Another trader described the unrest as “organised violence,” noting that hundreds of shops have been looted, forcing business owners to shut down completely.

Mixed reactions from diaspora leaders

While many report severe disruption, some diaspora leaders say the unrest is localised.

ABC Okokoh, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in South Africa, said informal traders in settlement areas are the most affected, while other regions remain relatively calm.

Similarly, Olusola Agbeniyi, President of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora, stated that there have been no confirmed casualties directly linked to the protests themselves.

Government response

The South African Police Service condemned the attacks, stressing that intimidation of foreign nationals violates the country’s democratic values.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is engaging South African authorities as diplomatic efforts continue to address the crisis.

Key takeaway

The situation reflects growing tension over immigration and economic hardship in South Africa, with Nigerians caught in the crossfire. While evacuation options are now available, uncertainty and fear continue to define daily life for many in the diaspora.