The House of Representatives has demanded sweeping diplomatic sanctions against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, alleged extrajudicial killings and what lawmakers described as the systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African migrants.

The resolution came as 282 Nigerians, including 12 infants, were evacuated from South Africa and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Peace flight. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the returnees landed in the evening, marking the fourth evacuation operation in response to the violence.

The House decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Yusuf Gagdi, who represents Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State. The motion, taken during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, received unanimous support.

Gagdi told his colleagues that Nigeria could no longer remain silent in the face of repeated attacks on its citizens, despite years of diplomatic engagement with Pretoria. He noted that South Africa had witnessed recurrent waves of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians and other Africans, leading to deaths, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests and forced displacement.

He cited recent reports of fresh attacks on Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans and Malawians, and referenced the confirmed killing of two Nigerians, including one who allegedly died in police custody and another murdered in front of his business premises.

Recalling Nigeria’s historic role in the anti-apartheid struggle, Gagdi described the current treatment of Nigerians in South Africa as profoundly disturbing. He reminded the House that Nigeria invested significant financial resources, diplomatic capital and human sacrifice to help dismantle apartheid, in the spirit of African solidarity and justice.

Other lawmakers backed tougher action. Billy Osawaru urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic pressure, accusing South African security agencies of looking away while Nigerians are attacked. Moshood Akiolu and Ghali Tijjani called for a review of diplomatic and economic ties, insisting Nigeria could not maintain normal relations with a country failing to protect its residents.

Adebayo Adepoju pressed for legal redress through international mechanisms and support for victims forced to restart their lives after losing homes and businesses.

Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner for a formal explanation, push for an independent, internationally monitored investigation into the killings and engage the African Union, SADC, United Nations and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Lawmakers also called for a review of bilateral relations, possible suspension of some cooperation frameworks, stronger consular protection, emergency evacuation plans and reintegration support for returnees. An ad hoc committee is to interface with South African authorities and regional bodies and report back to the House.