Nigeria Envoy Says No Deaths or Looting in South Africa Xenophobia Tensions, Notes 130 Seek Repatriation

TL;DR: Nigeria’s acting ambassador to South Africa said no Nigerians were killed and no Nigerian-owned shops were looted during recent xenophobic tensions, and about 130 nationals have opted for voluntary repatriation. He also noted Nigeria is not among the top ten source countries for illegal immigrants in South Africa.

South Africa has seen a surge of viral videos showing confrontations between locals and foreign nationals, sparking fears among Nigerians living abroad. The clips, which circulated widely on social media, depicted groups demanding that foreigners leave because they allegedly take jobs meant for South Africans. Nigerian officials moved quickly to assess the situation and calm anxious families back home.

Acting Ambassador Temitope Ajayi told reporters that the demonstrations remained peaceful and that police monitored the events closely. He emphasized that no physical injuries were reported and that no Nigerian-owned businesses suffered damage. Ajayi added that the perception of Nigerians as criminals or illegal immigrants is unfounded and stems from long‑standing stereotypes rather than recent data.

According to the envoy, Nigeria does not appear in the top ten countries supplying undocumented migrants to South Africa, a claim confirmed by South African immigration officials in a meeting last year. He also said that roughly 130 Nigerians in South Africa have registered for voluntary return to Nigeria, a figure that reflects ongoing efforts to assist those who wish to go home.

The ambassador’s statements counter the narrative that Nigerians are disproportionately involved in crime or illegal migration, suggesting that misinformation fuels hostility. By clarifying the lack of casualties and property loss, the diplomatic mission aims to reduce panic among Nigerians with relatives studying or working in South Africa. The repatriation sign‑ups indicate a measurable response to the tension, though the majority of the Nigerian community remains in the country.

Going forward, observers will watch whether South African authorities address the underlying xenophobic rhetoric and whether Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach leads to fewer repatriation requests and improved public perception of its nationals abroad.