By Achille Month
ABUJA – The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable and calling for urgent investigations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of violence against Nigerians and other foreign nationals 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 it described as a brutal interrogation.
The ministry also recalled the earlier killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong on April 20, 2026, allegedly by the same police officers. It noted that although the identities of the officers involved are known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made and the case remains unresolved.
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.
The Federal Government said the latest incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, particularly amid increasing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
It also criticised recent public remarks allegedly made by a spokesperson for the South African Government, who reportedly asked Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
According to Nigeria, such comments are irresponsible, amount to hate speech and could encourage further hostility and violence against members of the Nigerian community.
The government further condemned the activities of anti-immigrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing them of promoting hatred and violence against fellow Africans.
Nigeria called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the recent killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, stressing that every individual deserves due process and a fair hearing regardless of any allegations.
The government extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured Nigerians in South Africa that it would continue diplomatic engagements with the South African authorities until justice is served.
It also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, obey local laws, stay security conscious and avoid areas prone to violence while diplomatic efforts continue.
The Ministry noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely and safely in Nigeria, urging Pretoria to guarantee similar protection for Nigerians legally residing in South Africa.
The Federal Government warned that should the attacks continue, it would consider additional diplomatic measures, while maintaining that dialogue, African unity and peaceful engagement remain its preferred approach.
The ministry also disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing.
