The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the Federal Government's demand for a thorough investigation into the killing of Nigerians in South Africa. This comes as the South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, absolved the government of any involvement in the persistent xenophobic attacks on non-citizens, including Nigerians.
Government Demands Justice
The Nigerian government has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew, Andrew Ekpeyong, and Kelvin Amaramiro, who died from injuries sustained while in the custody of South African security agencies. It also demanded prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates with Nigerian authorities, as well as full cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files, while facilitating access to legal processes.
Diplomatic Engagement
During a meeting with the Federal Government, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, the High Commissioner held that the protests and killings had never received the government's nod. She assured that all issues raised would be addressed to forestall lasting peace between Nigeria and South Africa.
Kenya Advises Caution
Meanwhile, the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria issued an advisory urging Kenyans residing in South Africa to remain vigilant following recent demonstrations and isolated incidents affecting foreign nationals. It warned citizens to steer clear of protest zones, carry valid identification at all times, and comply with directives from local authorities.
HURIWA Criticizes President's Foreign Trips
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expressed concern about the persistent pattern of foreign travel by President Bola Tinubu, describing the trend as economically wasteful, strategically questionable, and dangerously disconnected from the urgent realities confronting Nigerians at home. HURIWA questioned the policy logic and cost-benefit value of the President's repeated overseas trips, asking how many of these diplomatic outings have yielded measurable outcomes capable of justifying the enormous expenditure of public funds.
Ezekwesili Urges President to Cut Short Trip
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, urged the President to cut short his ongoing foreign visits to France, Kenya, and Rwanda to address the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. In a post on her X account, she described the President's decision to embark on a three-nation trip amid reported attacks as a total absence of leadership.
Strategic Measures Proposed
To quell the rising xenophobic tensions, the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) has outlined a set of strategic measures Nigeria can adopt, urging a shift from reactive consular actions to sustained diplomatic and policy engagement. President of ADSC, Victor Oluwafemi, urged Nigeria to take a more forward-looking approach that prioritizes citizen protection, regional cooperation, and long-term conflict prevention.
He recommended deepening diplomatic engagement with South African authorities through structured bilateral channels, as well as cooperating with the African Union (AU) to advance stronger continental frameworks for migrant protection and adherence to existing agreements on free movement and human rights.
