Nigerian authorities have confirmed that two citizens lost their lives amid rising tensions in South Africa, where groups continue to target foreign-owned businesses and call for Black African migrants to leave the country.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs named the men as Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro.
Officials say Mr Ekpeyong passed away on 21 April while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department.
Mr Amaramiro lost his life on 25 April at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape.
Nigeria has demanded a full investigation into the circumstances.
The ministry described the incidents as linked to encounters with security personnel during a period of heightened unrest.
Diplomats have summoned South African officials to discuss the safety of Nigerians living in the country and to seek clear answers, including autopsy reports.
Businesses close as protests continueIn several areas, including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, locals have taken part in demonstrations against foreign nationals.
Some groups, referred to by Nigerian sources as terrorists, have targeted shops and other businesses run by outsiders.
A number of these businesses have now shut their doors because owners fear for their safety.
Videos shared online show crowds around foreign-owned properties, with reports of looting in some cases.
Nigerian officials note that many migrants from across Africa feel pressure to leave as the situation escalates.
The Nigerian government has urged South African authorities to protect all residents and to handle the matter with care to avoid further strain on relations between the two countries.
Families of the two men await more details as investigations proceed.
This latest development adds to long-standing concerns about how migrants fare in parts of South Africa.
Nigerian leaders say they will keep pushing for the safe return of any citizens who wish to come home and for stronger measures to prevent similar losses in future.
