The Federal Government has condemned the killings of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and called on Pretoria to urgently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa, warning that continued violence could damage bilateral relations.
According to the ministry, *Emeka Charles Iroegbu* was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as a “gruesome interrogation.”
The ministry added that the same officers were also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, *Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong*, on April 20, 2026. It noted that no arrests had been made despite the identities of the four officers being known to the South African Police Service.
The second victim, *Musa Yunana Joe*, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was killed in front of his shop on June 28, 2026, in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
“Of great concern is that the killing was committed by yet-to-be-identified criminals,” the statement said.
The ministry said the incidents occurred amid ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living there.
“The Government of Nigeria 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 these heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay,” the statement added.
“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 a fair hearing in a court of law.”
The government also condemned a recent televised statement by a South African government spokesperson who asked Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to disclose where they hid illegal drugs.
“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the ministry stated.
It added that leaders of groups such as _March on March_ and _Operation Dudula_, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, “will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”
The Federal Government appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious, and to relocate to safer neighbourhoods while diplomatic efforts continue.
It also urged Nigerians at home not to resort to retaliatory actions, stressing that the government would pursue dialogue in line with the principles of African unity and solidarity. The ministry said the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa was ongoing.
The government maintained that South Africa has a responsibility under international law to protect the lives and property of all foreigners residing in the country, including Nigerians.
“While South African nationals and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria, the systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed,” the statement said.
It warned that if the attacks persist, “all options remain on the table,” adding that some measures could be activated if what it described as “the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners is not addressed.
