NIDCOM Raises Alarm Over Fresh Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

NIDCOM Raises Alarm Over Fresh Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa
According to the Commission, many Nigerians living in affected areas are now gripped by fear
NIDCOM called for increased police presence in hotspot areas, swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has raised fresh alarm over a surge in attacks targeting Nigerians and other Black immigrants in South Africa, warning that the situation appears to be worsening despite previous diplomatic interventions.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement issued on April 29, 2026, Chairman of the Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said recent reports indicate a troubling increase in violence across some communities.

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According to the Commission, many Nigerians living in affected areas are now gripped by fear, with families reportedly limiting their daily activities due to safety concerns.

“Children of Nigerian descent are afraid to attend school, while business owners are hesitant to open their shops over fears of attacks and looting,” the statement said.

NIDCOM disclosed that several cases of harassment and intimidation had been recorded within the past 72 hours, raising concerns about the safety of foreign nationals.

The Commission urged South African authorities to take urgent and decisive action to secure affected communities, stressing that protecting all residents is both a legal obligation and a moral duty.

It also condemned what it described as the growing profiling of Nigerians, insisting that criminal behaviour should be addressed individually rather than attributed to a nationality.

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“Crime has no nationality. Collective blame and stereotyping are unacceptable,” the statement added.

Among its recommendations, NIDCOM called for increased police presence in hotspot areas, swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, and the establishment of a joint safety platform involving government officials, security agencies, and diaspora representatives.

The Commission further urged South African authorities to issue clear public statements condemning xenophobic violence and discouraging harmful stereotypes.

While advising Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk locations, NIDCOM said it is working closely with Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg to monitor developments.

The agency reaffirmed that diplomatic engagements are ongoing to safeguard the welfare and dignity of Nigerians abroad, while calling for calm and restraint from all parties.