The Nigerian government has confirmed that two of its citizens were killed during a wave of anti migrant violence in South Africa, raising fresh concerns over the safety of foreign nationals as tensions continue to escalate.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two men were killed on June 28, just two days before an unofficial deadline issued by anti immigrant groups demanding that foreigners leave the country. One of the victims was allegedly shot by police officers, while the other was reportedly killed by unidentified attackers. South African police have not yet publicly commented on the allegations.
In a strongly worded statement, Nigeria condemned the killings and urged South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. The ministry warned against the growing trend of unfairly portraying law abiding Nigerians as criminals, saying such narratives fuel hostility and violence against migrants.
The deaths come amid weeks of anti migrant protests across South Africa, where demonstrators have blamed foreign nationals for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services. While many of the protests have remained peaceful, several have turned violent, resulting in looting, attacks on migrant owned businesses, and the displacement of thousands of foreign nationals. More than 900 people have been arrested since the nationwide demonstrations intensified.
The violence has also strained diplomatic relations across the continent. Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and several other African countries have repatriated some of their citizens and lodged formal protests with South African authorities over the attacks. In response to the unrest, the South African government has deployed more than 3,000 soldiers to support police in maintaining law and order while reaffirming that immigration enforcement must remain the responsibility of the state rather than private groups.
South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with similar attacks in 2008 claiming more than 60 lives. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger action to address the root causes of the violence and improve protection for migrants living in the country.
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