Nigerian Man Assassinated in Johannesburg; NUSA Demands Urgent Diplomatic Action

JOHANNESBURG – Panic and grief have once again gripped the Nigerian community in South Africa following the brutal killing of a Nigerian national, Mr. Emeka Uzor, in a suspected assassination on Sunday.

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), the umbrella body for Nigerians in the country, confirmed the development in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.

The statement, jointly signed by NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, and National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, revealed that the deceased was a native of Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to the union, the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. at a Caltex Garage in Windsor East, Randburg, Johannesburg. Uzor was reportedly sitting in his vehicle when he was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in what has been described as a targeted hit.

NUSA expressed deep concern over the “troubling pattern of brutal violence” against Nigerians, noting that the frequency of such attacks has reached an alarming level.

The union has officially challenged the South African government, specifically the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), to ensure the case does not go cold.

“NUSA calls for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident. We urge the authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.

The body further emphasized that identifying and prosecuting the killers is the only way the victim’s family can find closure.

Turning its attention to the Nigerian authorities, the union urged the Federal Government—through the offices of the Consul General and the High Commissioner—to actively engage their South African counterparts.

NUSA stressed the need for a diplomatic and legal framework to protect the lives of Nigerians, insisting that the Nigerian Mission must work hand-in-hand with community-based organizations to tackle the recurring violence.

Despite the high tensions, NUSA leadership has appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding.

“The union is working tirelessly with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served,” the statement concluded.