RismadarVoice Reporters, May 6, 2026
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, following the reported killing of two Nigerians in recent incidents.
In a statement issued to journalists by the Zonal Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, also known as “BILLIONCODES,” the group described the attacks as a disturbing continuation of violence targeted at Nigerians living in South Africa.
The association said the killings were not isolated incidents but part of a recurring pattern of hostility that must be urgently addressed.
“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end,” the statement read.
NANS Southwest warned that it was mobilising for what it described as lawful and peaceful actions, including picketing and mass advocacy against major South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria.
The group specifically mentioned corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group, arguing that it was unjust for foreign businesses to operate freely in Nigeria while Nigerian citizens face violence abroad.
“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement added.
The student body called on the South African government and relevant authorities to take urgent and concrete steps to protect foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, and ensure that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.
It further stressed that symbolic responses or delayed interventions would no longer be acceptable, insisting that the safety and dignity of Nigerians must be guaranteed.
While expressing readiness for diplomatic engagement, NANS Southwest maintained that it would not remain passive in the face of continued attacks on Nigerians.
The group said it remains open to dialogue with South African authorities, business stakeholders, and international partners, but warned that Nigerian students are prepared to escalate lawful actions if necessary to defend the rights of their compatriots.
