Human rights lawyer and counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (Indigenous People of Biafra), Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Federal Government to go beyond expressions of concern and take concrete steps to protect Nigerians living in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor urged the Nigerian government to actively pursue all legitimate diplomatic and legal channels to ensure the safety and rights of its citizens abroad, particularly in the wake of renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in South Africa.
He warned that Nigeria must insist on credible investigations and prosecutions in cases involving violence against Nigerians, while also demanding stronger guarantees for their protection.
“The life of every Nigerian is priceless. The blood of our citizens must never become cheaper than diplomatic courtesies,” he stated.
Ejiofor also stressed that the Nigerian government owes its citizens not just sympathy, but firm protection and justice in times of crisis.
He referenced the recent diplomatic response from the government of Ghana following the alleged killing of a Ghanaian national, Bashiru Isak, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, noting that Ghana’s firm stance should serve as a model for stronger diplomatic action across Africa.
According to him, Ghana condemned the killing, demanded a transparent investigation, and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, as well as improved protection for its citizens in South Africa.
Ejiofor added that Nigeria must also work closely with regional and continental institutions to ensure that xenophobic violence does not become normalized on the African continent.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.