Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Ojukwu has broken silence on South Africa Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has declared that the Federal Government will not stand by while Nigerians residing in South Africa face harassment, humiliation, and xenophobic attacks.
The minister made this known after a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ronald Lamola, amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests in parts of South Africa.
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In a statement shared on her Facebook page, Bianca disclosed that the Nigerian government has prioritised the evacuation of citizens willing to return home due to growing fears over their safety.
She also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigerian missions in South Africa to immediately establish a Crisis Notification Unit to support Nigerians facing danger or distress.
According to the minister, discussions with Lamola focused on recent xenophobic incidents and anti-migrant protests, including demonstrations held in Durban on May 6, 2026.
“I maintained that our Government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in South Africa as well as the extra-judicial killings of our people,” she stated.
Bianca stressed the need for South African authorities to ensure that cases involving attacks and killings of Nigerians are treated seriously, with swift justice and visible consequences for perpetrators.
Although she noted that the latest protests in Durban did not turn violent due to heavy security deployment, Nigerians in the area were reportedly advised by the Nigerian Mission to remain indoors and temporarily close their businesses as a precautionary measure.
The minister also raised concerns about the activities of anti-foreigner political groups in South Africa, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could endanger both Nigerians living there and South African interests in Nigeria.
She further disclosed that Nigerian children and children of mixed Nigerian-South African parentage, popularly referred to as “Sougerians,” have allegedly been subjected to bullying and discrimination in schools.
According to her, some of the children were reportedly taunted and told to “return to their country,” an experience she described as traumatic and unacceptable.
Responding to the concerns, Lamola reportedly assured the Nigerian government that South African authorities recognise their responsibility to protect innocent children and are working through educational and supervisory bodies to discourage such practices.
The latest diplomatic engagement comes amid mounting pressure on both governments to address rising xenophobic tensions and strengthen protections for foreign nationals living in South Africa.
