Reps demand action over South Africa attacks as 282 Nigerians return amid renewed concerns over xenophobia, killings and migrant safety

The House of Representatives, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, on Thursday, July 10, 2026, in Abuja, called on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic measures over South Africa attacks following reports of renewed violence against Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.

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The call came as 282 Nigerians, including 12 infants, returned to Lagos from South Africa through the fourth evacuation flight arranged by the Federal Government in partnership with Air Peace.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 7:30 p.m., according to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The House’s position followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, representing Kanke, Kanam and Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

The lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as repeated attacks, unlawful killings, destruction of businesses and alleged persecution of Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.

Moving the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent despite years of diplomatic discussions between both countries.

“Recent reports indicate a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa,” he said.

The lawmaker said the Federal Government had confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, including one person who allegedly died while in police custody and another who was reportedly killed outside his business premises.

Gagdi recalled Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, describing the reported treatment of Nigerians in the country as disturbing.

He said Nigeria provided diplomatic backing, financial assistance and humanitarian support during the fight against apartheid, making the current situation a serious concern.

The lawmaker also criticised alleged inflammatory remarks by a South African junior minister, warning that such comments could worsen tensions and create further hostility towards foreign nationals.

He urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and seek explanations on measures being taken to protect Nigerians.

Several lawmakers supported the motion and called for stronger intervention.

Billy Osawaru, representing Edo State, urged the government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South Africa, accusing security authorities there of failing to adequately protect Nigerians.

Lagos lawmaker Moshood Akiolu highlighted Nigeria’s sacrifices during the anti-apartheid era and called for South African officials to explain steps being taken to prevent further attacks.

Ghali Tijjani from Kano called for a review of aspects of Nigeria’s relationship with South Africa if the safety of citizens continued to be threatened.

Adebayo Adepoju of Oyo State urged the government to provide legal and humanitarian support for affected Nigerians, noting the challenges returnees may face while rebuilding their lives.

Following the debate, the House asked the Federal Government to engage regional and international bodies, including the African Union, Southern African Development Community, United Nations and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to push for accountability.

The lawmakers also called for an independent investigation into reported killings and urged authorities to pursue legal action against those responsible.

The House further recommended reviewing bilateral relations with South Africa until credible guarantees were provided for the protection of Nigerians and other African migrants.

An ad hoc committee was constituted to engage South African authorities, investigate the recurring incidents and submit its findings within 21 days.

South Africa attacks targeting foreign nationals have remained a recurring diplomatic challenge between Abuja and Pretoria.

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Previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in 2008, 2015 and 2019 resulted in deaths, destruction of businesses and heightened tensions between the two countries.