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How Ongoing Violence Claims Lives of Two Nigerian Businessmen in South Africa

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 29th, 2025.

How Ongoing Violence Claims Lives of Two Nigerian Businessmen in South Africa

The disturbing trend of violence against Nigerians living in South Africa has continued, with two more lives lost in a recent shooting incident in Durban.

Two Nigerian businessmen, known as Austin and Ayo, were fatally shot by unidentified assailants on the evening of Thursday, July 9. Reports indicate that the gunmen, believed to be three in number and masked, stormed Austin’s office around 8 p.m. and opened fire on both men without warning.

A friend of the victims, identified only as Fidelis, confirmed the tragic news during a phone conversation with The Punch. He recounted that Austin was the owner of a tyre and automobile business in Durban, and Ayo had dropped by to visit him that day.

“They were standing and talking when these men wearing masks barged in with guns. Without saying anything, they shot both of them,” Fidelis said. He added that a few customers were in the shop at the time but fled upon seeing the armed intruders.

Eyewitnesses nearby reportedly heard gunfire and later saw the suspects fleeing the scene. Emergency services were contacted, and both victims were rushed to the hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead on arrival.

A source based in Nigeria provided surveillance footage of the incident to the press. The video shows the two men in conversation when the attackers entered from behind, shooting Austin at point-blank range. Ayo was gunned down as he attempted to escape.

This tragic event is the latest in a string of violent episodes involving Nigerians in South Africa. So far in 2025, at least eight Nigerians have been reported dead under different violent circumstances. Among them were Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi, who were shot on April 20 in Pretoria, and Silas Ani, who was abducted in Johannesburg on April 24 and remains missing.

Earlier this year, Julius Chukwunta was killed during a violent altercation in Midrand, while Benjamin Okoli and Jeremiah Okoye died in police custody under suspicious conditions in February.

The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has called for justice. Its president, Frank Onyekwelu, expressed disappointment at the lack of accountability in many of the cases, revealing that in some instances, suspects were released on bail.

Adul-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed on Monday that South African authorities had made some arrests. However, he noted that the perpetrators responsible for Austin and Ayo’s deaths remain at large.

NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa issued a strong statement condemning the killings, calling them “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.” She said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is actively pursuing the case and called on the South African government to ensure a full and transparent investigation.

Dabiri-Erewa criticized the lack of enforcement of preventive mechanisms previously agreed upon by both nations, urging South African authorities to treat the situation with the seriousness it deserves. She also extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that Nigeria would press for justice.

In response to growing concern within the Nigerian community in South Africa, Dabiri-Erewa appealed for calm and advised against any retaliatory actions.

Meanwhile, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that authorities had not yet determined whether the attack was xenophobic in nature. “The loss of any Nigerian life is tragic, but we can’t jump to conclusions,” he said, assuring that investigations are underway and that the Nigerian mission is monitoring developments closely.