The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as alarming and unacceptable amid rising concerns over the safety of foreigners in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa expressed outrage over the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, calling for urgent investigations and prosecution of those responsible.
Ebienfa disclosed that Iroegbu was allegedly killed on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police using what the government described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.” He noted that the same officers had earlier been implicated in the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, with no arrests made despite their identities being known to the South African Police Service.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly killed by unidentified assailants in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, also on June 28. The government said the incidents reflect a troubling pattern of violence against foreigners in South Africa, raising questions about their safety and the role of security operatives.
Nigeria also condemned recent remarks by a South African government spokesperson, who allegedly asked Nigerians leaving the country amid xenophobic protests to reveal where they hide illegal drugs. The Federal Government described the comments as derogatory, unprofessional, and capable of inciting hatred and violence against Nigerians.
The statement further warned that groups promoting anti-foreigner sentiments, including “March on March” and “Operation Dudula,” would be held accountable under regional and international law for inciting violence.
While expressing sympathy to the families of the deceased, the Federal Government urged South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the killings and other pending cases involving Nigerians, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.
The government reiterated that all individuals, regardless of allegations, are entitled to due process and fair hearing, stressing that targeting foreigners as scapegoats for socio-economic challenges is unjustifiable.
Nigeria also advised its citizens in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, urging them to avoid volatile areas and relocate to safer environments where necessary. It added that diplomatic engagements are ongoing to address the growing wave of xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country.
The statement highlighted that South African nationals and businesses operate freely in Nigeria without harassment, emphasizing the reciprocal responsibility of South Africa to protect foreign nationals within its borders.
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The Federal Government warned that continued attacks on Nigerians could prompt further actions, noting that “all options remain on the table” if the situation persists.
It also appealed to Nigerians at home to remain peaceful and refrain from retaliatory actions, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, African unity, and diplomatic resolution of the crisis.
Meanwhile, the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing.
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