The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the act as “senseless, barbaric, and intolerable.”
In a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and signed by its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Chairperson of the Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed deep concern over the killing and demanded that the South African authorities conduct a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
According to reports, the victims—identified simply as Austin and Ayo—were both traders based in Durban, South Africa. They were reportedly shot dead at close range by masked gunmen who stormed Austin's office. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
“This unprovoked and senseless killing is unacceptable. We call on the South African government to act decisively to uncover and prosecute those behind this heinous act,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
She further lamented that the Early Warning Mechanism, a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and South Africa designed to curb xenophobic attacks and protect the rights of migrants, remains unimplemented by South African authorities.
NiDCOM also confirmed that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has formally demanded a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Amid rising tension in the Nigerian community in South Africa, Dabiri-Erewa appealed for calm, urging Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands while investigations are ongoing.
“The Nigerian Mission is already engaging with relevant South African agencies. We assure the families of the victims that justice will be pursued vigorously,” she said.
This incident adds to a growing number of violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, sparking concerns about migrant safety and bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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