The Nigerian government has condemned the killing of two of its citizens in South Africa, calling for a swift investigation amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two men were killed on 28 June during heightened tensions linked to protests by anti-illegal immigration groups, which had set an unofficial end-of-month deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa.
According to the ministry, one of the victims was allegedly killed by police officers in Pretoria, while the other was reportedly attacked and killed by unidentified assailants in Mpumalanga province.
South African police had not publicly commented on the allegations at the time of the announcement.
The Nigerian government strongly condemned the deaths and urged South African authorities to conduct prompt and transparent investigations into the incidents, as well as other outstanding cases involving the alleged extrajudicial killing of Nigerian citizens.
Abuja also warned that it would consider unspecified measures if attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals continue.
The latest deaths come amid rising anti-immigration sentiment in parts of South Africa, where some groups have blamed foreign nationals for unemployment, crime and increasing pressure on public services.
The growing tensions have triggered violent demonstrations in recent weeks, prompting several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe, to begin repatriating thousands of their citizens from South Africa over safety concerns.
The incidents have renewed calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals and greater regional cooperation to address xenophobic violence across the continent.
