The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has denounced the killing of two Nigerians by South African soldiers, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on immigrants to respect the country’s laws and traditions.
Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche described the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew as alarming, raising concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. She urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice, stressing the need for due process and fair treatment under the law.
Okey-Uche also cautioned against stereotyping Nigerians as criminals, noting that such generalisations put innocent citizens at risk.
Meanwhile, addressing the nation during Freedom Day, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to human rights but insisted that all residents must obey local laws. He added that immigration regulations would be enforced and urged citizens to allow legal processes to handle issues involving undocumented migrants.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, stated that there was no evidence of a coordinated attack against Nigerians.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission also issued safety guidance, advising Nigerians in South Africa to remain peaceful, avoid protests, and stay updated through local media, especially as demonstrations in cities like Cape Town and Durban have occasionally turned violent.
