The Federal Government has clarified that no Nigerian has been killed directly by the ongoing anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, despite the deaths of four Nigerians in the country in recent months.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said investigations by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa showed that none of the fatalities was linked to the current wave of xenophobic attacks.
Ebienfa made the clarification on Wednesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
He said although disturbing videos had emerged showing mob attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, no Nigerian had been killed directly by the protesters.
“It is important to put it on record that no Nigerian has been killed by the protesters. We have seen disturbing videos of fellow Africans being attacked and killed by mobs in South Africa, but no Nigerian has been killed by the protesting South Africans. However, four Nigerians have died in recent months,” he said.
The ministry’s spokesman explained that three of the deaths were linked to alleged police brutality, while the fourth victim was reportedly killed by criminal elements.
According to him, two Nigerians died after being subjected to what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” while in police custody.
He added that another Nigerian was allegedly brutalised by the police, released from detention, but later died in hospital due to injuries sustained during the incident.
Ebienfa said the fourth victim, identified only as “Bijo,” was allegedly shot dead in front of a shop by suspected criminals.
While describing the deaths as tragic and unacceptable, he stressed that they should not be mistaken as casualties of the ongoing anti-foreigner protests.
“Those deaths were not attributed to the protests. One was carried out by an unknown criminal gang, while the other three had police connections that led to their deaths,” he said.
Responding to concerns over reports of widespread looting and attacks on foreigners, Ebienfa maintained that the ministry’s position was based on verified findings regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Nigerians.
He noted that although nationals of some African countries had reportedly been killed during confrontations with anti-foreigner protesters, investigations had not established any similar cases involving Nigerians.
“What I’m trying to make clear is that while we have seen protesters directly attack and kill nationals of some countries during looting and mob violence, that has not been the case with Nigerians in South Africa,” he said.
The spokesman, however, assured that the Federal Government remained concerned about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and would continue to monitor cases involving alleged police brutality and criminal attacks against its citizens.
He reiterated that the government was pursuing justice in the cases involving Nigerians who died in police custody and those killed by criminal elements, while urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and vigilant amid the prevailing security situation.
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