The Nigerian Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, demanding a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
It warned that it may consider stronger diplomatic measures if attacks against Nigerians continue.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the killings as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
According to the Ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, during what the government described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
It also alleged that the same officers had on April 20, 2026, killed another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong. The Ministry noted that although the identities of the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, also on June 28.
The Nigerian Government said the incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa. This raises questions about deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the statement reads.
It added that the attacks also “raise further questions over the general safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”
The government further alleged that the recurring incidents suggest possible complicity by some security personnel, particularly officers of the Tshwane Metro Police.
“The continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility under International Law,” the Ministry stated.
The Nigerian Government also condemned a recent televised statement by a spokesperson of the South African government, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic attacks to reveal where illegal drugs were hidden.
Describing the remarks as inflammatory, the ministry said, “Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community.”
Calling for immediate action, Nigeria urged South African authorities to investigate the killings and several other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals.
“The Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the two killings and several other pending cases of extra-judicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay,” the statement said.
While expressing condolences to the families of the victims, the Nigerian Government appealed to its citizens living in South Africa to remain calm and vigilant.
It advised citizens to ” law-abiding and security conscious, move to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas that are prone to violent activities,” while diplomatic efforts continue to address the growing wave of Afrophobia in the country.
The Ministry reiterated that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria without harassment and stressed that South Africa has a corresponding responsibility to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals living within its borders.
It warned that “if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table.. some measures would be activated “if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed.”
The statement, however, urged Nigerians at home to remain peaceful and avoid retaliatory actions, insisting that the Nigerian Government would continue to pursue dialogue and negotiations in the spirit of African unity while the ongoing evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa continues.
