ABUJA, Nigeria (FN), The Nigerian government said Sunday that no citizens were killed and no Nigerian-owned property was destroyed during recent anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed the update in a situation report titled “South Africa Protests: Situation Report,” published on her X account, seeking to calm fears after reports of unrest targeting foreign nationals.
The assurance comes against the backdrop of a troubled history of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The Nigerian government said Sunday that no citizens were killed and no Nigerian-owned property was destroyed during recent anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed the update in a situation report titled “South Africa Protests: Situation Report,” published on her X account. The statement sought to calm fears after reports of unrest targeting foreign nationals in South Africa raised concerns among Nigerians with ties to the country.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of a troubled history of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have previously been attacked and businesses looted. In 2019, widespread violence against immigrants led to diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Pretoria, with Nigeria temporarily recalling its ambassador. Similar incidents have periodically strained relations between the two countries, prompting calls for stronger protections for African migrants.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s assurance that Nigerians were not harmed this time has been met with relief but also cautious skepticism. On social media, many Nigerians expressed gratitude that their compatriots were safe, while others urged the government to remain vigilant, citing past episodes where initial reassurances were later contradicted by reports of casualties. Civil society groups have warned that even when Nigerians are not directly affected, such protests highlight the vulnerability of African migrants in South Africa and the need for stronger regional cooperation.
Analysts say the implications of the government’s statement are twofold: it reassures Nigerians living abroad and their families at home, but it also underscores the fragility of Nigeria–South Africa relations, which remain sensitive to outbreaks of xenophobic violence. The situation has renewed calls for African leaders to address the root causes of anti-foreigner sentiment, including economic inequality and unemployment, to prevent future unrest.
The government’s swift communication reflects Abuja’s effort to project responsiveness and protect its citizens abroad, while also signaling to Pretoria that Nigeria is closely monitoring developments. As the protests continue to draw regional attention, the incident may serve as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger continental solidarity in tackling xenophobia.
