President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

It was gathered that a South African delegation led by the country's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, to deliver what was described as a "very important message" from President Ramaphosa to the Nigerian leader.

The development comes less than 24 hours after the reported killing of a Nigerian national, Chika Ibe, who was allegedly taken from his residence at the Parksig Villas Complex in Bellville, Cape Town, by personnel of the South African Police Service (SAPS). He was reportedly tortured to death while in custody, a case that has sparked fresh outrage over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

Nigeria has consistently maintained a firm position against xenophobic violence in South Africa, repeatedly calling on the authorities to protect the lives and property of Nigerians living in the country.

Speaking at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, condemned the recurring attacks and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to pushing for stronger measures against xenophobia at the African Union.

President Tinubu's decision to decline the meeting with the South African envoy underscores Nigeria's growing dissatisfaction with the persistent attacks on its citizens and the perceived failure of South African authorities to effectively curb xenophobic violence.