Nigeria condemns killing of three citizens in South Africa, urges caution

Between September 18 and 21, 2026, three Nigerians were killed in separate incidents in South Africa. Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while trying to escape police harassment in Bloemfontein. Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde was reportedly killed at a nightclub in Pretoria on September 20. Christian Hillary Nnaemeka died on September 21 following an incident involving a South African politician and an investigative content creator in Ekurhuleni.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, condemned the killings and expressed deep concern that they occurred amid ongoing xenophobia and Afrophobia faced by Nigerians in parts of South Africa. The ministry called on South African authorities to undertake thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

It also urged Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and law‑abiding, and to maintain contact with the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg for assistance. Nigerians abroad should keep the mission’s contact details handy and report any threats or harassment to the nearest Nigerian mission.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/01/nigeria-condemns-fresh-killing-of-its-citizens-in-south-africa/