Xenophobia: Nigerians in South Africa seek FG intervention against police brutality

Nigerians in South Africa have called on the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing attacks and other forms of Xenophobia targeted against Nigerians.

Under the umbrella body, the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), they expressed concern over what they perceived as the increasing normalization of hostility.

NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu, in a statement on Sunday, urged the Nigerian authorities to act urgently and firmly to address the developments.

Onyekwelu stated, “We are alarmed by the increasing normalization of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel. These actions not only undermine human dignity but also threaten the long-standing bonds of African solidarity.”

He therefore called on the federal government “to act with urgency, firmness, and strategic diplomacy in addressing these developments.

“The protection of Nigerian citizens abroad is not optional; it is a constitutional and moral obligation.”

Onyekwelu stressed that delayed responses will only reinforce the dangerous and false narrative that Nigerians in the diaspora are abandoned by their own government.

He also called for immediate high-level diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the protection of lives, businesses, and the rights of Nigerians.

“A transparent mechanism for reporting, documenting, and addressing cases of abuse, harassment, and xenophobic violence.

“Clear accountability for any law enforcement officers found culpable in acts of brutality or discrimination.

“Public reassurance from the Nigerian government affirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens globally.”

He stressed that Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding, economically contributing, and socially integrated members of society.

He also commended the intervention of the Nigerian Consul General, Amb (Mrs) Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, saying it has lifted hope and shown that we still have a concerned and committed Consul General whose efforts and actions need more governmental backing.

NICASA also reiterated its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement within our host nation. We urge all Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with South Africa’s laws while we pursue diplomatic and institutional remedies.