Senator Bassey Blasts Xenophobic Violence, Demands Justice for Nigerians in South Africa

Senator Aniekan Bassey, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing them as barbaric, inhumane, and a disgrace to African unity.

The Senator expressed outrage over reports of Nigerians being killed and harassed, including the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, allegedly at the hands of South African security operatives.

“This is a shameful affront to the spirit of brotherhood that binds Africa together. Nigeria will not stand idly by while her citizens are brutalized and profiled unjustly,” Senator Bassey declared.

He demanded that the South African government take immediate steps to protect Nigerians, ensure their safety in schools and businesses, and prosecute perpetrators of violence without delay. He also urged Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify diplomatic pressure, warning that silence and inaction would embolden aggressors.

The attacks have sparked fear among Nigerian communities in South Africa, with reports of children too afraid to attend school and businesses facing intimidation and looting. An Ethiopian national was also killed in Johannesburg, underscoring the broader scope of xenophobic violence.

Senator Bassey emphasized that the Nigerian Senate will not remain passive while Nigerians abroad face violence. He called for the establishment of a Nigeria–South Africa joint safety forum with diaspora leaders to ensure accountability and lasting protection.

“African solidarity must be more than a slogan. It must be lived in action, justice, and respect for human dignity,” he concluded.