The Nigerian government has demanded a thorough investigation into the killing of three Nigerians in South Africa, condemning what it described as the continued murder of its citizens by xenophobic groups and security officials.
The demand was made by the Nigerian Consulate-General in South Africa, Nnikanwa Okey-Uche, who described the recent killings as disturbing incidents that must be investigated.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Okey-Uche called on South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for “their grievous actions.”
He said bringing perpetrators to justice is a crucial step towards addressing concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
Last week, three Nigerians, Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka, were killed in South Africa. Their deaths bring the number of Nigerians killed in the country since the beginning of the year to at least 12.
The Nigerian Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Femi Fani-Kayode, estimated that about 112 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022, with 32 of the victims allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces.
Mr Fani-Kayode said no one has been brought to justice or convicted in any of the cases.
He appealed to the South African government to “bring those who are responsible for them to justice and to protect our people.”
In recent times, there has been growing violence against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, a development that has triggered a diplomatic row between both countries.
In May, following the killing of two Nigerians, the Nigerian government summoned South Africa’s representative in Nigeria and demanded an investigation.
In July, President Bola Tinubu declined to meet a special delegation sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and instead directed the team to meet with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye.
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Weeks ago, the National Assembly also suspended official visits to South Africa and directed its members and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities until further notice.
More than 1,640 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa since June.
The latest batch of 105 Nigerians arrived in Nigeria last Thursday, days before the killing of the three citizens. The group comprised 83 adults and 23 students and was received by government officials.
Reacting to the situation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attributed the violence to illegal migration and the actions of “opportunists” who are exploiting public sentiment to carry out “criminal acts.”
He assured that his government would crack down on perpetrators, saying lawlessness would not be tolerated.
“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism’,” Mr Ramaphosa said.
