The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerian citizens, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in South Africa as xenophobic tensions escalate.
The Consulate disclosed the incident on Monday, expressing concern over the safety of Nigerians residing in the country.
Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche stated that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly inflicted during a beating by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
The circumstances surrounding Andrew’s death were not immediately detailed, and investigations into both cases are ongoing.
The Consulate has called on South African authorities to conduct thorough and transparent inquiries into the incidents and to ensure justice for the victims.
It also urged the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant while diplomatic efforts to address the situation continue.
