NIGERIA recalled its ambassador to South Africa yesterday in the latest sign of African countries' discontent at Pretoria's handling of attacks on immigrants.

Acting High Commissioner Martin Cobham and Deputy High Commissioner Uche Ajulu-Okeke had been asked to return to Nigeria for consultations, a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

The statement said: "The invitation is in connection with the on-going xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants."

Seven people have been killed in attacks on migrants since March 20, when Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini spoke out against foreign workers.

"Let us pop our head lice," he said. "We must remove ticks and place them outside in the sun. We ask foreign nationals to pack their belongings and be sent back."

He has since said those remarks were taken out of context and that he opposes violence.

Earlier this week Nigeria summoned South Africa's high commissioner over the unrest.