Nigerian Man Left Family Behind to Flee South Africa Anti-Migrant Violence

Richard Itoro, a 47-year-old Nigerian businessman, is not sure when he will see his children again. After 15 years building a car-dealership business, buying a home, and raising a family in Johannesburg, he was forced to flee South Africa earlier this year as anti-migrant protests reached their peak in June.

Itoro told the BBC with tears in his eyes: "It was painful for me to leave the person who's my best friend" — describing his farewell to his South African wife. His neighbours had told her: "You're married to a Nigerian. Those of you married to Nigerians — we're supposed to arrest you people."

Diplomatic Fallout

Itoro's story is one of tens of thousands that have fuelled a diplomatic crisis between South Africa and several African nations over the past two months. Tens of thousands of foreigners have used voluntary repatriation flights to leave the country. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have all summoned South African ambassadors in protest.

The anti-migrant marches, which peaked at the end of June, have been widely condemned by human rights groups as xenophobic violence. South Africa's government insists it is taking steps to restore order, but critics say the police response has been inadequate.

No Way Back

"If I go home and start all over again, it's better than being here, being harassed, being scared for my life," Itoro said. His case highlights the human cost of the crisis — a carefully built life, a family separated, and a diplomatic rupture stretching across the continent.