Nigeria's Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned that the safety of African immigrants in South Africa is worsening, following the killing of two Nigerians under disputed circumstances. She announced additional evacuation flights for citizens.

The minister demanded South African authorities investigate the deaths of Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, killed amid 'ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks on migrants'. Joe was shot outside his shop in eMalahleni on June 28, while Iroegbu died during police interrogation in Pretoria.

South African police said Joe's killing did not appear protest-related but could not comment on Iroegbu's death. Nigeria's foreign ministry warned that 'all options remain on the table' if the situation persists.

South African foreign ministry spokesman Chrispin Phiri asked Nigeria's High Commission to submit actionable information for investigation. Weeks of protests against undocumented migrants have erupted, with locals blaming foreigners for job losses and straining social services.

Mozambique reported five citizens killed in xenophobic attacks in late May. Ghana and South Africa were embroiled in a diplomatic row after a Ghanaian national's death. Hundreds of Nigerians have already left South Africa.

Source: www.aljazeera.com