The Federal Government has condemned the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa in separate incidents between September 18 and 21.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi on Wednesday.
The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
According to the ministry, Igwemadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape police harassment at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Central Business District, Bloemfontein.
Olatunde, who worked as a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria was reportedly shot on September 20 after an altercation with a South African customer who attempted to leave with a cup belonging to the club. He was rushed to Mamelodi Hospital where he was confirmed dead on September 21.
The third victim, Nnaemeka reportedly died on September 21 in Primrose, Ekurhuleni following an encounter involving South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo and members of his team.
The government said it received the reports with grave concern, particularly at a time when Nigerians and other Africans continue to face challenges linked to xenophobia and Afrophobia in parts of South Africa.
It said any use of interrogation or enforcement methods that contravene legal and human rights standards is unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated.
The Federal Government called on South African authorities to conduct thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with South African law.
It also urged South Africa to strengthen measures to protect foreign nationals and prevent targeted attacks, while assuring that Nigeria will continue to engage through diplomatic channels.
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