105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa Since 2019

Since 2019, at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa amid a wave of xenophobic attacks, according to a statement signed by community leaders Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu from the Nigerian Union South Africa and the Nigerian Citizen Association South Africa. The statement dismissed claims from South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation that migrants are not killed in the country, highlighting the risks faced by the migrant community.

The report noted that Nigerians have been victims of fatal xenophobic incidents, including alleged extrajudicial killings and mob violence. Specific incidents include the deaths of 12 Nigerians in Johannesburg in 2019 during xenophobic unrest, 17 Nigerians in 2022 due to violent attacks, and 40 reported deaths in 2023 linked to mob violence and police misconduct.

The community urged South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect migrants and ensure thorough investigations into violent attacks, emphasizing the need for justice and social cohesion.