Over 100 Nigerians Killed in South Africa Since 2019

Over 100 Nigerians Killed in South Africa Since 2019 – NIDCOM
Nigeria Insists on Diplomacy Despite Killings
130 Nigerians Register for Evacuation Amid

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has revealed that more than 100 Nigerians have lost their lives in different attacks in South Africa since the commission was established in 2019.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the agency’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdulrahman Balogun, disclosed this while speaking on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu on Thursday.

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Balogun described the repeated attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa as disturbing and unfortunate, noting that the crisis has continued in different forms since the end of apartheid.

According to him, Nigeria has consistently adopted diplomatic engagement as the main strategy for addressing the situation and protecting its citizens abroad.

“From 1994 till now, we have continued to witness attacks from time to time, and different administrations have tried to find lasting solutions through diplomatic channels,” he said.

He recalled that previous efforts included visits by top Nigerian officials, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as well as meetings involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and South African authorities.

Balogun also revealed that both countries had previously agreed on an early warning mechanism aimed at preventing violence, although implementation has remained weak.

He expressed concern that despite several diplomatic meetings, public apologies and engagements between both governments, attacks on Nigerians have continued.

“Since NIDCOM came on board in 2019, we have recorded over 100 Nigerians killed in various attacks in South Africa,” he stated.

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On calls for retaliatory measures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria, Balogun warned that such actions could negatively affect Nigeria’s economy and citizens.

He noted that many multinational companies have investments and operations in both countries, stressing that shutting them down could create more economic hardship.

Balogun further lamented what he described as the lack of accountability for attacks against Nigerians, saying he was unaware of any major case where perpetrators had been properly prosecuted or punished.

He disclosed that Nigeria continues to demand proper investigation of attacks, prosecution of offenders and stronger protection for Nigerians living in South Africa.

The NIDCOM spokesman also confirmed that about 130 Nigerians have so far registered for voluntary evacuation following the recent tensions and anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa.

According to him, many of those seeking evacuation are traders, artisans and workers in the informal sector.

Despite growing criticism over the effectiveness of diplomacy, Balogun maintained that Nigeria would continue engaging South Africa through diplomatic, parliamentary and executive channels in search of a lasting solution.