Nigeria has accused South Africa of failing to protect foreign nationals after two Nigerian citizens were killed amid rising anti-migrant sentiment.
Both victims — identified by Nigeria’s foreign ministry as Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe — died on 28 June in separate incidents. Abuja says Iroegbu was allegedly shot dead by members of the Tshwane Metro Police, while Joe was fatally attacked outside his shop in eMalahleni.
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In a strongly worded statement, Nigeria demanded accountability and blasted remarks by South African minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni that tied Nigerians to drug crime, calling the comments “hate speech.” The Nigerian government warned it could pursue regional and international remedies if the attacks and wider hostility toward foreign nationals persist. The deaths come after some anti-migrant groups in South Africa set an ultimatum for undocumented foreigners to leave the country by 30 June.
