Nigeria has confirmed on Sunday, July 5 that two of its nationals were killed in South Africa on 28 June during anti-immigrant unrest that targeted African migrant workers.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the killings occurred two days before protesters’ unofficial 30 June deadline for foreigners to leave the country. South African Police had not commented on the incident at the time of the announcement.
The recent unrest, fuelled by claims that foreigners contribute to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, has prompted countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to repatriate some of their citizens and summon South African diplomats.
South Africa has experienced similar outbreaks of xenophobic violence in the past, including attacks in 2008 that left more than 60 people dead, according to rights groups.