Two Nigerians Killed in South Africa Amid Xenophobic Violence as Anti-Migrant Tensions Escalate

The Nigerian government has confirmed that two of its citizens have been killed in South Africa, amid what it describes as a growing wave of anti-migrant attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emeka Charles Iroegbu was reportedly killed on June 28 by police officers allegedly using “gruesome interrogation techniques,” while Musa Yunana Joe, a shop owner, was also killed on the same day by unidentified assailants.

Authorities in Pretoria have yet to officially respond to the incidents.

The Nigerian government said the killings occurred during a period of heightened anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, which has already resulted in the repatriation of about 25,000 foreign nationals, including approximately 700 Nigerians.

According to the statement, Iroegbu was killed in Pretoria by officers from the Tshwane Metro Police Department, while Joe was attacked outside his shop in eMalahleni.

The ministry stated that Nigeria has placed the South African government “on notice,” warning that “all options remain on the table” if what it described as rising intolerance and discriminatory treatment of foreigners is not addressed.

Nigeria also said it plans to seek compensation for citizens who have lost property and livelihoods, and has begun documenting businesses and assets abandoned by Nigerians who left South Africa.

However, South African cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni rejected calls for compensation, saying affected individuals could sell their properties through legal channels in South Africa.

Her comments, in which she referenced alleged criminal activity involving Nigerian nationals, have drawn strong criticism from Abuja, which described them as “unacceptable” and inflammatory.

Nigeria’s foreign ministry condemned what it called “derogatory and unprofessional” remarks from senior South African officials, warning that such statements amount to hate speech.

The ministry also accused certain South African protest groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, of inciting violence and hostility against foreign Africans, and warned that those responsible could face regional and international legal consequences.

Anti-migrant groups in South Africa have recently called for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, amid rising unemployment rates exceeding 30 percent and growing pressure on public services.

Several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria, have already begun repatriating citizens in response to the unrest.