A Nigerian diaspora leader in South Africa has disputed claims made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding recent xenophobic tensions, insisting that no Nigerian was killed during the latest wave of protests in the country.

The President of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora, South Africa, Dr Olusola Agbeniyi, said reports suggesting Nigerian casualties were inaccurate and based on misinformation circulating on social media.

Oshiomhole had earlier urged the Nigerian government to respond firmly to developments in South Africa, citing alleged killings of Nigerians during anti-foreigner demonstrations. He also repeated similar concerns during a television interview, saying such incidents had gone unaddressed.

However, Agbeniyi rejected that narrative, stating that while protests and anti-immigrant sentiments did occur, they did not result in deaths of Nigerian nationals. He added that community leaders on the ground would have been aware if any such incidents had taken place.

He further explained that two Nigerians recently reported dead were not linked to the protests, cautioning against drawing conclusions without verified evidence.

The diaspora leader also warned that spreading unconfirmed claims could heighten tensions and negatively affect Nigerians living in South Africa. He urged public officials to seek accurate information from diplomatic and community sources before making public statements.

According to him, much of the confusion stemmed from misinformation online, which continues to influence public perception and fuel unnecessary alarm among Nigerians abroad.