The Nigerian Consulate, alongside the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), is organizing free repatriation flights for citizens wishing to return home permanently amid escalating unrest.
NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu noted on Saturday that the violence has already forced many Nigerians to shutter their businesses.
While no formal support system currently exists for those affected, Onyekwelu confirmed the consulate’s intervention offers a vital lifeline, with many citizens already expressing interest in the evacuation.
“The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home,” he said.
Nigerians caught in the crosshairs of South Africa’s latest wave of xenophobia have shared harrowing accounts of survival.
For many, the recurring violence is no longer just a threat to their livelihoods—it is a devastating toll on their safety and mental health.
Residents in cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban report being trapped indoors, living in a state of constant terror as mobs target foreign nationals.
The unrest, fueled by groups such as Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement, has seen properties torched and shops looted under the guise of protesting illegal immigration and unemployment.
In response to the escalating risk, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised business owners to shutter their doors indefinitely.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg recently confirmed the deaths of two citizens, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, both killed in separate attacks linked to the anti-migrant protests..
The Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
Andrew, she said, was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Hundreds of anti-foreigner protesters have been captured in viral videos marching through streets with sticks and chanting anti-foreigner songs.
The human face of the crisis was captured in a viral video showing a Nigerian trader being confronted by an angry mob.
Despite his plea—explaining that he had lived in South Africa for years and was simply trying to feed his children—his words were met with cold dismissal.
“We don’t want foreigners in this town anymore,” one protester declared, while another ordered him to take his wife and children back to his home country.
The atmosphere turned even more lethal in downtown Johannesburg, where an Ethiopian national was executed in broad daylight.
Chilling CCTV footage shows the victim being shot at close range at a busy intersection in what appeared to be a targeted assassination; notably, no robbery took place.
While the South African Police Service has condemned the intimidation, the gunman remains at large, and the migrant community continues to live in the shadow of fear.
“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded,” the police said.
Nigerian business owners in South Africa are lamenting mounting losses following attacks on foreign-owned shops.
Some of the traders said the attacks had been largely directed at Nigerians and Ghanaians, with shops, supermarkets, and other business outlets singled out.
A restaurant operator in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Yemisi Adewale, recounted how she narrowly escaped an attack by protesters at a local market on Thursday.
“They (protesters) have been harassing and terrorising us. They are specifically targeting shops, supermarkets, malls, and other businesses owned by Nigerians and Ghanaians. Their aim is simply to loot and destroy our goods.
“The police are present, but their presence has not stopped the attackers. The protesters continue to loot and vandalise our shops right in front of them.
“I was almost attacked on Thursday at the town market while I was out to buy goods for my business. We all had to run for safety, leaving our goods behind. The attackers went on to loot and destroy shops and merchandise.
“This is not a genuine protest. They are using the rally as a cover to steal and destroy our businesses. Although the South African government appears to be making efforts to protect us, we cannot rely on that protection. For our safety, we have shut down our shops and business outlets.
“Once they see that your shop is open, they immediately attack, loot your goods, and assault anyone they identify as a foreigner,” Adewale said.
She noted that the situation had taken a severe toll on livelihoods, warning that continued violence could force many out of business.
“This situation is taking a serious toll on us. Our businesses have been badly affected, and this is our only means of livelihood. If this continues, many of us may be forced out of business.
“Nigerians here are law-abiding and have chosen to remain calm despite the harassment and provocation. We have avoided any confrontation.”
“So far, no Nigerian has been harmed, but a Ghanaian trader was severely beaten and injured. This led to intervention by Ghanaian authorities, who have since evacuated him back home for medical treatment,” she added.
Another Nigerian trader described the situation as organised violence disguised as protest.
“They told us they wanted to do a protest, but what we are seeing is not a protest. This is daylight robbery and looting. The protest started on Monday and has continued till today, Thursday.
“I saw hundreds of them today at the market. They were carrying sticks and clubs, which they used to attack foreigners. They pounce on anyone they identify as a foreigner and beat them,” she said.
According to her, fear has gripped the business community and forced traders to completely shut down operations.
“We are living in fear. No one dares open their shop. We were opening partially before, but now the situation has escalated, and we are scared for our lives.
“Hundreds of shops owned by foreigners have been looted. Now no one can open for business,” she said.
The trader alleged that Nigerians appear to be the primary target of the attacks, with the intention of forcing them out of business.
“They are targeting Nigerians. They want to frustrate us out of business. Now we cannot even come out to make money; everyone is staying indoors. I don’t know why they are targeting us,” she said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging with South African authorities and that Nigerians were awaiting the outcome of the ongoing discussions.
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