South Africa killings of Nigerians spark concern as community leaders claim over 105 deaths linked to xenophobic violence since 2019

The Nigerian community in South Africa on Thursday, May 28, 2026, alleged that at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in the country over the past seven years amid recurring xenophobic violence, mob attacks and unresolved security incidents involving foreign nationals.

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The claim 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, who accused authorities of downplaying the scale of violence faced by migrants.

The statement was released in response to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation attributed to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which reportedly stated that migrants were not being targeted or killed in South Africa.

According to the Nigerian community leaders, the South Africa killings of Nigerians have included cases linked to xenophobic unrest, alleged extrajudicial killings, mob violence, shootings and deaths in police custody.

“Denying or minimising the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion,” the statement said.

The organisations acknowledged the importance of responsible public communication but insisted that the painful experiences of Nigerians and other migrants must not be ignored or dismissed.

The groups claimed that available records compiled from media reports, civil society engagements and community documentation showed that numerous Nigerians had died under troubling and unresolved circumstances since 2019.

According to the statement, xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg in 2019 reportedly resulted in the destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses, shops and vehicles, while about 12 people allegedly lost their lives during attacks and mob violence.

The South Africa killings of Nigerians allegedly continued in subsequent years, with the community claiming that more than 17 Nigerians died in 2022 through violent assaults, vigilante attacks and alleged brutality by security personnel.

The organisations further alleged that over 40 Nigerians died in 2023 in incidents ranging from mob violence to unresolved shootings and alleged police misconduct.

Community leaders also claimed that eight Nigerians reportedly died in 2024, while another eight allegedly lost their lives in 2025 through shootings, violent confrontations and deaths in custody.

They added that from January 2026 to date, more than 20 Nigerians had allegedly died during physical encounters involving security personnel, criminal attacks or suspected extrajudicial actions.

While recognising that some investigations remain ongoing, the groups expressed concern over what they described as a lack of prosecutions, accountability and transparent judicial outcomes in many of the incidents.

The organisations stressed that their position was not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions or judicial system, acknowledging that many South Africans continue to reject xenophobia and support peaceful coexistence.

They urged authorities to intensify efforts to protect all residents regardless of nationality and ensure thorough, transparent and impartial investigations into violent attacks and deaths involving migrants.

The groups also called for stronger measures against xenophobic violence, mob justice and unlawful conduct by individuals or security personnel, while advocating community dialogue and public education to discourage hatred and stereotyping.

“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement added.

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The Nigerian community reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, lawful conduct and constructive engagement with South African authorities in pursuit of a safer and more united society.