The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable and calling for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government identified one of the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu, who was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, during what it described as a brutal interrogation.
The ministry also recalled the earlier killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, allegedly by the same police officers on April 20, noting that no arrests had been made despite the identities of the officers being known to the South African Police Service.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28 by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
According to the Federal Government, the incidents come amid growing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa and raise serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians residing in the country.
The government alleged that the repeated attacks, particularly those involving security personnel, suggest possible complicity by some law enforcement officers and questioned South Africa’s responsibility under international law.
It also condemned recent comments by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic attacks to disclose where they hid illegal drugs. Nigeria described the remarks as derogatory, inflammatory and capable of inciting violence against Nigerians.
The government further criticised groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing them of promoting hate speech and violence against fellow Africans.
Nigeria urged the South African authorities to launch urgent investigations into the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerians, stressing that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be accorded due process and a fair hearing.
The Federal Government extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that it would continue diplomatic engagement with South African authorities until justice is served.
It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, urging them to avoid violence-prone areas and relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary, as evacuation of registered Nigerians continues.
The ministry reiterated that South African citizens and businesses operate freely and safely in Nigeria, stressing that South Africa has a reciprocal obligation to protect the lives and property of Nigerians and other foreign nationals within its borders.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, African unity and diplomatic engagement, the government warned that it would consider additional measures if attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners persist. It also appealed to Nigerians at home to refrain from retaliatory actions and allow diplomatic efforts to run their course.