The Federal Government has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa. This comes as Nigeria moves to fast-track the implementation of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism aimed at addressing rising xenophobic tensions and threats against foreign nationals.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing journalists after a closed-door diplomatic meeting between Nigerian and South African representatives.
The meeting involved the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, alongside other diplomats.
The engagement followed directives from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The Nigerian government expressed concern over ongoing protests in parts of South Africa, where groups are reportedly calling for foreigners—especially black Africans—to leave the country.
Officials noted that disturbing videos of these protests have heightened fear among Nigerians living in South Africa.
Nigeria confirmed the deaths of two citizens:
Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong, who died on April 21, 2026, while in custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department after reportedly sustaining injuries linked to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, who died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.
The incidents have triggered anxiety within the Nigerian community and prompted urgent calls for action.
The government has formally requested: A transparent and impartial investigation
Full disclosure of findings , Access to autopsy reports and case files
Accountability and prosecution of any personnel found culpable
Ebienfa stressed that Nigeria expects cooperation and credible remedial action from South African authorities. Beyond the deaths, Nigeria raised alarm over threats against foreign nationals and urged South Africa to take proactive steps to prevent violence, intimidation, and incitement.
Nigeria is accelerating the implementation of the Early Warning Mechanism agreed upon by both countries.
The government confirmed receipt of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from South Africa and emphasized the need for its swift activation to enable rapid response and de-escalation of tensions.
Nigeria called on South Africa to ensure the protection of Nigerians living lawfully within its borders, stressing the need for safety, dignity, and restored confidence.
The Ministry acknowledged recent protests by Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja and urged restraint.
South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner assured that Nigeria’s concerns would be communicated to her government.
However, Nigerian officials expressed dissatisfaction with mere assurances, insisting on visible action.
“We are not satisfied with just statements. We need actions,” Ebienfa stated.
The government noted that Nigerians seeking to return home fall into different categories, including those feeling unsafe and those with documentation issues.
For now, voluntary return remains self-funded, but the government may intervene if the situation worsens.
Nigeria also indicated it may take further diplomatic steps if necessary.
Cadbury Nigeria Plc recorded: Revenue: ₦39.83 billion (7% increase from ₦37.23 billion in Q1 2025)
Gross Profit: ₦10.89 billion (10% decrease from ₦12.15 billion)
Profit After Tax: ₦3.64 billion (39% drop from ₦5.98 billion)
Earnings Per Share: 160 kobo (down 39% from 262 kobo)
Interim Managing Director, Folake Ogundipe, explained that the decline in profitability was due to strategic efforts to improve operational efficiency amid changing business conditions.
She emphasized that demand remains strong and the company is focused on sustainable growth and innovation.
Cadbury Nigeria announced the appointment of new non-executive directors:
Hisham Ezz El Arab, Dr. Rasaq Adedoyin Salami (Independent Director),Ms. Sree Patel, Dr. Salami previously served as Chief Economic Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has stated that visa applicants are subject to continuous security vetting—even after visa approval.
According to the Mission:Vetting applies to all visa types and applicants
Screening continues throughout the visa’s validity period. The process ensures individuals remain eligible to travel
The statement serves as a reminder for Nigerian applicants to remain compliant with U.S. immigration and security requirements at all stages of their visa lifecycle.
If you want, I can also format this into a newspaper-style layout or turn it into a clean PDF for publishing or sharing.
