PRETORIA — Nigeria's diplomatic authorities in South Africa have demanded justice following the deaths of two Nigerian citizens in the country, as concerns over violence and hostility targeting African migrants continue to attract attention. Nigerian officials called for a proper investigation into the killings and accountability for those responsible. The deaths have renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living and working in South Africa. Nigeria and South Africa maintain strong economic, diplomatic and people-to-people ties, but relations have periodically been affected by incidents of xenophobic violence. Nigerian nationals form part of a large African migrant population in South Africa, where they work in sectors including business, education, technology, entertainment and professional services. Tensions involving migrants can arise around employment, crime, access to services and competition in informal markets. However, human-rights organisations and African governments have repeatedly stressed that criminal responsibility should be based on individual conduct rather than nationality. Attacks against foreign nationals can have serious consequences beyond the immediate victims. Families lose loved ones, businesses may be damaged and communities can become fearful. Diplomatic relations can also suffer when citizens believe their governments are unable to protect them abroad. Nigerian authorities have therefore continued to engage South African officials on the safety of Nigerians. South Africa has its own responsibility to investigate crimes and protect people within its territory, regardless of nationality. Effective policing and prosecution are essential if communities are to have confidence that attacks will not go unpunished. The latest incident also highlights the importance of cooperation between Nigerian and South African authorities. Information sharing and consular engagement can help officials respond when Nigerian citizens encounter serious problems. Nigerian diplomatic missions can assist citizens by providing information, facilitating communication with local authorities and monitoring cases involving Nigerians. Xenophobia has a long and complicated history in South Africa. Economic hardship, unemployment and social inequality have sometimes contributed to tensions between communities. Migrants can become targets of anger during periods of economic stress, even when broader structural problems are responsible for difficulties facing local communities. Addressing those tensions requires more than policing. Governments need policies that expand employment, improve public services and reduce inequality while also enforcing laws against violence and discrimination. Nigerian citizens living in South Africa also need to remain aware of local security conditions and follow official advice during periods of unrest. Community organisations can help by maintaining communication networks and reporting incidents promptly. Businesses employing Nigerian workers can also support safety through appropriate security measures. The diplomatic response to the latest killings is therefore important both for the victims' families and for the wider Nigerian community. A credible investigation can establish what happened and ensure that those responsible face the law. It can also help prevent speculation and misinformation from worsening tensions. Nigeria and South Africa have strong interests in maintaining stable relations. Both countries are major economies on the continent and have significant commercial and cultural links. Disputes involving citizens should therefore be handled through established diplomatic and legal channels. For Nigerian families affected by the killings, however, the immediate issue is justice and accountability. The deaths serve as a reminder that migrant communities can become vulnerable when social tensions escalate. Protecting foreign nationals and preventing xenophobic violence requires cooperation between governments, police, community leaders and civil society. The Nigerian mission's demand for justice places attention on the need for a thorough investigation. The outcome will be important not only to the families of the victims but also to the confidence of Nigerians living in South Africa. Both countries will need to continue working together to ensure that criminal acts are investigated fairly and that nationality is never used as a justification for violence.