The Senate has raised alarm over the “intensifying and intolerable persecution” of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana, warning that continued attacks could trigger diplomatic tensions and undermine Africa’s unity.

This was on the heels of a motion of urgent national importance brought before the Senate by Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, who painted a grim picture of widespread violence, harassment, and systematic targeting of Nigerians living in both countries.

Senator Aniekan Bassey , alongside his colleagues, expressed outrage over recurring incidents in April 2026, citing cases of killings, destruction of businesses, forced displacement, and psychological trauma inflicted on Nigerian nationals.

He hinted that the Senate, in a resolution, condemned the attacks “unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms,” and branded them barbaric, unlawful, and a direct assault on the dignity of Nigerians.

Senator Bassey lamented that Nigerians are increasingly being profiled, hunted, and dehumanized solely based on nationality, a development he described as both “morally reprehensible” and a violation of international human rights standards.

Briefing newsmen, Senator Bassey described the situation as a “painful irony,” recalling Nigeria’s historic role in the anti-apartheid struggle and its longstanding commitment to African solidarity.

Referring to the motion, he said “It is deeply troubling that a nation which once stood at the forefront of Africa’s liberation now watches its citizens brutalized on foreign soil.”

He said the Senate has called on the Federal Government to immediately escalate diplomatic engagements with South Africa and Ghana, insisting on concrete actions rather than routine assurances.

“The Senate demand immediate diplomatic intervention, transparent investigations into all reported attacks, arrest and prosecution of perpetrators as well as enforceable guarantees for the safety of Nigerians. The Senate also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to activate emergency response measures, including evacuation support, legal assistance, and trauma care for affected citizens,” he explained.

Speaking further, Senator Bassey said “The Senate also pushed for stronger enforcement mechanisms within ECOWAS and the African Union to hold offending states accountable and deter future acts of xenophobia.”