FG Condemns Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa, Demands Justice, Warns ‘All Options Remain on the Table’

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable and calling for immediate investigations and prosecution of those responsible.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians amid rising xenophobic sentiments in South Africa.

According to the ministry, 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 also recalled the earlier alleged extra-judicial killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong on April 20, 2026, stating that no arrests have been made despite the identities of the four officers allegedly involved being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In a separate incident on the same day, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The Federal Government said the incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa, particularly amid ongoing xenophobic attacks.

It argued that the repeated killings, especially those allegedly involving law enforcement officers, raise serious questions about state responsibility under international law and accused some security operatives, particularly members of the Tshwane Metro Police, of complicity.

The ministry further criticised what it described as attempts to stereotype Nigerians as criminals, insisting that hardworking and law-abiding Nigerians should not be made scapegoats for South Africa’s socio-economic challenges and high crime rate.

Nigeria also condemned recent remarks attributed to a South African government spokesperson who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.

According to the ministry, such comments amount to hate speech capable of inciting violence against Nigerians and other Africans. It also accused groups such as Operation Dudula and March on March of promoting violence and hatred against fellow Africans, warning that those responsible could face regional and international criminal liability.

The Federal Government urged the South African authorities to urgently investigate the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, stressing that every suspect deserves due process and a fair hearing under the law.

While sympathising with the families of the deceased, Nigeria said it would continue engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic levels until justice is served.

The government also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, urging them to avoid areas prone to violence and relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary while diplomatic efforts continue.

It noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely and safely in Nigeria, stressing that South Africa has a reciprocal responsibility to guarantee the safety and protection of Nigerians legally residing within its borders.

The ministry warned that if attacks against Nigerians persist, the Federal Government would consider activating additional diplomatic measures, stating that “all options remain on the table.”

Despite its strong stance, Nigeria appealed to citizens at home not to resort to retaliatory actions, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, negotiations and the principles of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing.