The Nigerian government has demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of the two Nigerians reportedly killed by officials of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) amid xenophobic attacks on African migrants.
The investigation, it insisted, must be transparent, and the findings, such as autopsy reports and other relevant information, must be shared with it and with the victims’ families.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, while briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting between Nigeria and South Africa’s diplomatic representatives.
The meeting was held between the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, among other diplomats, following engagements directed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The government said it was worried about ongoing protests in parts of South Africa where groups were calling on foreigners, especially black Africans, to leave the country, noting that the situation had heightened fear among Nigerians.
Nigeria also confirmed the deaths of two of its citizens, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, who reportedly died after sustaining injuries while in the custody of South African security agencies.
The government said the incidents had triggered anxiety within the Nigerian community and required urgent and credible action from South African authorities.
Nigeria formally demanded a transparent investigation and full disclosure of findings to ensure justice for the victims.
The government also stressed the need for accountability and cooperation in the investigation process, including access to key documents and legal procedures for the victims’ families.
Ebienfa said: “The government of Nigeria notes with concern the ongoing protests in some parts of South Africa, requesting foreigners, especially blacks, to leave the country. Some of the videos of the violent protests are very disturbing, considering the friendly and cordial relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa.
“The ministry has also been informed of the reported unfortunate death of two Nigerians – Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro due to injuries sustained while in the custody of South African security agencies.
“On April 21, 2026, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Prior to his death, he reportedly sustained injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force.
‘’On April 25, 2026, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape, following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.
“The circumstances of his detention and death have raised concerns regarding the conduct of the security personnel involved. These incidents have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community and require urgent, credible remedial action.
“We, therefore, request thorough and impartial investigations into both deaths, including prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates with the government of Nigeria.
