Nigeria warns South Africa over killings of two Nigerians amid xenophobic violence

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu said there are “no signs that the situation is improving” as anti‑immigrant riots continue across South Africa. On 28 June two Nigerians were killed: Musa Yunana Joe was shot outside his shop in eMalahleni (Witbank) by unidentified assailants, and Emeka Charles Iroegbu died during police interrogation in Pretoria, which Nigeria describes as “gruesome interrogation techniques”. Nigeria’s foreign ministry placed the South African government on notice, stating “all options remain on the table” and warning of diplomatic action if the violence persists. It demanded swift, transparent investigations and justice for the victims, condemning alleged police involvement and hateful public remarks. South African authorities have not commented on the killings; police say one death was unrelated to the protests and the other is under investigation. The xenophobic unrest has sparked widespread arrests, the repatriation of tens of thousands of migrants, and heightened tension between the two nations, which are Africa’s largest economies.