Nigerians Killed in South Africa's Xenophobic Attack, Federal Government Speaks Out

• Nigerians were confirmed murdered amid anti-immigrant (xenophobic) protests in South Africa on June 28, 2026
• The violence was fueled by claims that foreigners cause unemployment and crime in the 'Rainbow Nation
• Protesters in Cyril Ramaphosa-led South Africa urged the government to curb illegal migration, arguing that foreigners are unfairly benefiting from public services

Find it fast with our new search feature at Legit.ng!

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience reporting on national and regional news from Abuja, with a strong focus on Nigeria, Africa and broader international affairs.

FCT, Abuja - Nigeria said Sunday, July 5, that two of its nationals were killed recently in South Africa following violent anti-immigrant protests targeting African workers in the country.

The Nigerians were killed Sunday, June 28, 2026, two days before an unofficial deadline by protesters for foreigners to leave, the West African country's ministry of foreign affairs said, according to AP News.

One was allegedly killed by police officers and the other by unidentified attackers, it said.

From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram.

Nigeria reacts to xenophobic killings

South African police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

Anti-immigrant protesters in April and May blamed foreigners for high levels of unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said:

“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa.

"This raises questions about deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals."

Xenophobic attacks grip South Africa again

Legit.ng reports that South Africa has a history of violence sparked by anger over the presence of migrants, including in 2008, when more than 60 people were killed in what international rights groups called xenophobic attacks on foreigners.

Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria are among African countries which repatriated some of their citizens ahead of the deadline.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world, at more than 30%, and anti-migrant sentiment has been rising in recent months.

The continent's most developed economy remains a magnet for people from poorer countries seeking work, often in low-paid jobs.

Read the federal government of Nigeria's X post on the deadly xenophobic attack in South Africa below:

Read more on xenophobia

• Xenophobia: Peter Obi laments worsening plight of Nigerians abroad as many reject return from South Africa
• Hunger, hustle, and hate behind South Africa’s attacks on Nigerians
• Influential federal lawmaker reacts as dozens of Nigerians return from South Africa over xenophobia
• Xenophobia: MTN Nigeria CEO reacts to calls to revoke company's licence over attacks in South Africa

Xenophobic attacks: Atiku blows hot

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Atiku Abubakar criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's alleged sluggish response to xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The former vice president highlighted Ghana's purported decisive action compared to Nigeria's seemingly hesitant approach.

The presidential hopeful urged the ministry of foreign affairs to prioritise urgency in protecting citizens abroad.