By Desmond Nleya
LAGOS- Nigeria has condemned the killing of two of its citizens in South Africa, describing the incidents as part of a disturbing wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two men were killed on 28 June, during a period of heightened tensions leading up to an unofficial deadline issued by anti-illegal immigration groups demanding that foreigners leave South Africa.
The ministry said one Nigerian was allegedly shot dead by police officers in Pretoria, while the second was reportedly killed by unidentified attackers in Mpumalanga Province. South African authorities had not issued an official response at the time of publication.
In a statement released on Sunday, Nigeria called on the South African government to conduct swift, transparent, and thorough investigations into the deaths, as well as other unresolved cases involving the alleged extrajudicial killings of Nigerian nationals.
Abuja also warned that it could take further diplomatic measures if attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals continue.
South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence, with protesters accusing undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime, and increased pressure on public services. Human rights groups, however, have repeatedly condemned the attacks, warning that innocent migrants are often targeted regardless of their legal status.
The resurgence of xenophobic violence has prompted several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, to repatriate thousands of their citizens from South Africa in recent years amid growing safety concerns.
