Nigeria demands investigation into deaths of three citizens in South Africa — Premium Times Nigeria

The Nigerian government has demanded that South African authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three Nigerian citizens. Nigeria’s Consul General Nnikanwa Okey-Uche said the cases must be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.

As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the victims are Kenechukwu Igwemadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka. According to the outlet, their deaths brought the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa since the beginning of the year to at least 12.

Statements by Nigerian officials

The Nigerian government condemned the continuing killings of its citizens in South Africa, which it links to the actions of xenophobic groups and security force personnel. The outlet also notes that violence against Nigerians and other Africans has caused diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, estimated the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa since 2022 at about 112. According to him, 32 of them were killed by members of the South African security forces. He also said that no one has been held accountable or convicted in any of these cases.

Repatriation of citizens

In May, Nigeria summoned a South African representative following the deaths of two of its citizens and demanded an investigation. In July, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu did not meet with a special South African delegation, directing it to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye. Nigeria’s National Assembly also suspended official visits to South Africa and ordered its members and officials to boycott legislative events organized by the country’s authorities.

Since June, African states have begun bringing their citizens home from South Africa. According to the outlet, more than 1,640 Nigerians have been repatriated from the country since then, including a group of 105 people who arrived last week. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the situation was linked to illegal migration and the actions of people who use public discontent to commit crimes.