Nigeria Condemns Killings Amid South African Violence

Nigeria has accused South Africa of failing to protect foreign nationals after two Nigerian citizens were killed during a recent wave of anti-migrant violence, warning that it may consider further measures if such attacks continue.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said one of the victims, Emeka Iroegbu, died while being questioned by South African police in Pretoria on June 28. The ministry also said another Nigerian was shot dead outside his shop in eMalahleni on the same day, shortly before anti-immigrant protests spread across parts of the country.

The ministry described the incidents as part of a wider pattern of xenophobic violence and alleged that repeated attacks on foreign nationals could indicate complicity by some security personnel. It said “all options remain on the table” if South Africa does not stop what it called a growing trend of intolerance against migrants.

South Africa rejected allegations of institutional misconduct and urged Nigeria to present any evidence through established diplomatic and legal processes. Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the country’s legal system requires credible evidence rather than public allegations.

Separately, South Africa’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate confirmed it has launched an investigation into claims involving police officers in Pretoria. The outcome of that investigation has not yet been announced.

The dispute follows weeks of anti-migrant demonstrations in South Africa. While many protests remained peaceful, some turned violent, leading authorities to deploy soldiers to support police operations. Human rights organisations have argued that migrants are being unfairly blamed for broader economic and social challenges.

SOURCE: Reuters