The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has condemned in strong terms the killings and abduction of Nigerians in South Africa.

NICASA is also calling on the Federal Government to step into the matter.

The Nigerian community said it is faced with inhuman treatment everyday in the Nelson Mandela country.

Narrating the latest incident, NICASA in a statement by its President, Mr. Frank Onyekwelu alleged Silas Ani, a Nigerian businessman based in Springs, Johannesburg was abducted by one Mr Xolani Khumalo and Moja love TV crew on 24th April 2025.

He said Ani was yet to return to his family since the alleged abduction.

He explained: “Mr Ani who hails from Agbaogwugwu in Enugu State Nigeria was among many Nigerians intercepted by Xolani Khumalo & Moja Love TV (A TV show crew that is affiliated with DSTV) while carrying out their daily business activities. Many of them were beaten, abused inhumanly, and flogged while laying on the bare floor.

“Some were taken to certain secluded areas for torture including Mr Silas Ani. After a while, some were released with brutal wounds on their bodies but Mr Silas was not seen returned.”

Onyekwelu noted that the Nigerian community in Springs is outraged and has opened a case demanding for the whereabouts of Mr Silas Ani.

According to him: “They further consulted with a Nigerian owned law firm – Tony Okorie Attorneys to assist them with pursuing the matter at the Johannesburg high court.

“At first, the matter was struck off the roll so more evidence can be produced seeing the defendants are denying being involved in the abduction.

“The team of Tony Okorie attorneys together with the advocate representing the case at High Court level argued the matter gallantly with stronger evidence gathered. The case was postponed for review by another senior judge before final judgement will be given.”

On the killing of two Nigerians in Pretoria, Onyekwelu said they were gunned down in cold blood.

He said the case has been reported to the Nigerian mission & consulate in Pretoria.

He disclosed that the suspected killer has been granted bail while the families are still grieving.

He said: “Meanwhile, in another developing situation, two Nigerian citizens (Taiwo Raji & Yemi) were gunned down in Pretoria, South Africa.

“The suspected killer has long received bail from the police custody and may not be found again.

“The two deceased left behind two South African wives and six children among other relatives and family members.

“Mr Babatunde, the cousin brother to the two deceased is struggling to come to terms with how easily the suspect was granted bail knowing that he might not show up in the next court hearing date.

“The Nigerian mission & consulate have been informed about these both incidents and are working together with IPID to unravel the circumstances surrounding the matters.

“NICASA wishes to draw the attention of our Nigerian House of Assembly; Nigerian Senate and the Presidency to urgently intervene in the many killings of Nigerian citizens in South Africa before the community resolves to jungle justice.

“Many Nigerians have lost their lives while in police custody or their cases are still being investigated without any proven trial in the court of law.

“To what end shall this injustice, biased, hatred and brutal violence continue; OUR LIVES MATTERS

“NICASA urges all Nigerian citizens to continue to be law abiding and operate their businesses and daily activities within the confinement of the law while hoping for justice to prevail in these circumstances.” (The Nation: Text, Excluding Headline)