The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, demanding immediate investigations and the prosecution of those responsible.
The government also expressed concerns over what it described as a growing pattern of xenophobic attacks and the systematic targeting of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
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 it described as the use of “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The ministry further alleged that the same officers had earlier been involved in the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026.
It noted that despite the identities of the officers allegedly being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests had been made.
The government also identified another victim as Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” who was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28 by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
The Federal Government said the killings came amid heightened anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa and raised serious questions about the safety of Nigerians residing in the country.
“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 statement read.
The ministry argued that attempts by some groups to portray Nigerians as criminals were unfair and dangerous, insisting that many Nigerians living in South Africa were law-abiding and contributing positively to society.
Nigeria also faulted recent comments allegedly made by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic attacks to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
According to the Federal Government, such remarks amounted to hate speech and could fuel hostility against Nigerians.
“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,” the ministry stated.
The government further warned that leaders of anti-immigrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, could be held accountable under regional and international laws for inciting violence and hatred against fellow Africans.
While noting that South Africa currently faces one of the highest crime rates globally, Nigeria insisted that foreigners should not be made scapegoats for the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The Federal Government urged South African authorities to expedite investigations into the killings and several other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals.
“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law,” the statement added.
The government sympathised with the families of the deceased and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities until justice was served.
It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious, particularly in areas experiencing xenophobic and Afrophobic demonstrations.
The ministry urged Nigerian nationals to relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary and avoid locations prone to violence while diplomatic efforts continue.
Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to African unity and peaceful coexistence, the government stressed that South African nationals and businesses operating in Nigeria enjoy protection and freedom from harassment.
“It is therefore the responsibility of the South African Government to protect the lives and properties of all foreigners, including Nigerian nationals living in the country,” the statement said.
The Federal Government warned that continued attacks against Nigerians would not be tolerated, declaring that “all options remain on the table” should the trend persist.
Nevertheless, it called on Nigerians at home and abroad to refrain from retaliatory actions, assuring that it would continue to pursue dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations in line with Nigeria’s longstanding foreign policy principles.
The ministry also disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians willing to leave South Africa was ongoing.
