Nigerians Lament FG’s Alleged Weak Response to SA Xenophobic Attacks

Nigerians have reacted to a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa as against the actions taken by the Ghanian government to safeguard the lives and properties of her citizens living in SA.

On Friday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission issued an advisory to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain indoors, and avoid participation in ongoing protests in that country.

In anticipation of further protests, the advisory advises Nigerians to shut their businesses and keep them under lock and key.

Earlier, the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg issued a Memo, dated April 22, 2026, which reported that demonstrations in East London, Durban, and Cape Town had turned violent, resulting in looting, property damage and injuries.

The demonstrations are to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.

NiDCOM has described the advisory as a precautionary measure, but many Nigerians said it was passive, warning that such passive ‘stay at home’ remarks could embolden more attacks on Nigerians living in SA.

In contrast, the criticisms was analyzed side by side Ghana’s handling of a recent xenophobic incident involving one of its citizens. The said Ghanian, Emmanuel Asamoa, was promptly protected by the government of his country after he faced threats and harassment.

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, announced that the government would relocate the victim. In addition, the government of Ghana engaged South African authorities directly, leading to a quick de-escalation.

nigeriandaily