Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic and legal steps to protect Nigerians living in South Africa amid renewed concerns over attacks on African migrants.
Ejiofor, who serves as lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, said in a statement issued on Saturday that expressions of concern were no longer sufficient.
He urged the Nigerian government to demand credible investigations into attacks involving its citizens, insist on the prosecution of offenders and seek concrete security guarantees from South African authorities.
According to him, Nigeria should also work through regional and continental institutions to ensure that xenophobic violence does not become normalised within Africa.
“The life of every Nigerian is priceless. The blood of our citizens must never become cheaper than diplomatic courtesies,” Ejiofor said.
He added that a sovereign government owed its citizens more than sympathy, stressing that protection and justice should remain central to Nigeria’s response.
Ghana’s Response Cited as an Example
Ejiofor pointed to the diplomatic reaction of the Ghanaian government following the reported killing of a Ghanaian national, Bashiru Isak, in Cape Town.
Ghana formally protested to South African authorities, demanded an investigation and called for stronger protection for its nationals. Reports of the incident have, however, produced conflicting accounts, with South African police disputing aspects of the claim that the killing was xenophobic and linking a separate fatal shooting involving a Ghanaian citizen to alleged extortion.
Ejiofor said Nigeria should adopt a similarly assertive approach by pursuing every legitimate diplomatic and legal avenue available to safeguard Nigerians abroad.
Background
South Africa has experienced repeated episodes of anti-immigrant agitation and violence, often directed at migrants from other African countries. Recent tensions have prompted some African governments to assist citizens seeking to leave affected areas.
Nigeria and South Africa maintain significant diplomatic and economic relations, but the safety of Nigerian residents has remained a recurring source of public concern.
Why This Matters
Nigerians form a substantial migrant community in South Africa, and renewed hostility toward foreign nationals could expose families, workers and business owners to violence, displacement and economic losses.
A firm but evidence-based diplomatic response would help protect citizens while ensuring that allegations are properly investigated and that responsibility is established through lawful processes.
