The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised alarm over rising cases of killings and abductions involving Nigerian citizens, calling on the Nigerian government to intervene urgently before the situation worsens.
In a strongly worded statement, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) condemned the recent violence targeting Nigerians, including the alleged abduction of a Nigerian businessman, Silas Ani, and the killing of two Nigerians in Pretoria.
NICASA President, Mr. Frank Onyekwelu, said Ani, who hails from Agbaogwugwu in Enugu State, was allegedly abducted on April 24, 2025, by Mr. Xolani Khumalo and a Moja Love TV crew during one of their controversial on-air interventions. The crew reportedly targets people suspected of illegal activity.
According to Onyekwelu, Ani was among several Nigerians assaulted while carrying out their daily business in Springs, Johannesburg. “Many were beaten, flogged, and left with serious injuries. Mr. Ani was taken to a remote location and hasn’t been seen since,” he said.
The Nigerian community in Springs has since reported the case and engaged a Nigerian-owned law firm, Tony Okorie Attorneys, to pursue justice. Although the case was initially struck out of court due to lack of evidence, Onyekwelu said new evidence was presented and the case has been reassigned to a senior judge for further hearing.
In a separate case, two Nigerians identified as Taiwo Raji and Yemi were reportedly gunned down in cold blood in Pretoria. The suspected killer, according to NICASA, has been granted bail and may abscond before the next court date.
“The two deceased left behind wives, children, and grieving family members. The community is shocked that the suspect was released so easily,” Onyekwelu said.
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa is aware of both cases and is working with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to get justice.
NICASA expressed deep concern over what it called the increasing mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa, alleging that some have died in police custody while others suffer prolonged investigations without trials.
“We are calling on the Nigerian House of Assembly, the Senate, and the Presidency to step in now. The situation is getting out of control,” the statement warned. “Nigerian lives matter. We cannot continue to watch our people being killed or abducted without consequence.”
The association urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding and continue their businesses peacefully, but stressed that justice must prevail to prevent frustration from turning into vigilante responses.
This latest development adds to the growing tension between Nigerians and some sections of South African society, a relationship that has often been strained by xenophobic violence and police harassment in recent years.
