The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and called on Pretoria to conduct urgent investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a press release issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government said the killings highlight growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa amid rising xenophobic and afrophobic attacks.
According to the statement, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was reportedly killed on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, by Tshwane Metro Police officers using “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The Ministry also alleged that the same officers were responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Mr. Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026. The Ministry noted that no arrests have been made in that case despite the four officers involved being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The second victim, Mr. Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was killed in front of his shop on June 28, 2026, in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified criminals.
The Federal Government said the killings come at a time when foreigners are being “unduly targeted” in South Africa, raising questions about a “deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals.”
“The continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility under International Law,” the statement read.
The Ministry also condemned a recent televised statement by a South African government spokesperson, who asked Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to “show where they hide illegal drugs.”
The FG described the comment as “derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored” hate speech that incites criminal actions against Nigerians. It also cited groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula for inciting violence against fellow Africans.
FG demands justice, warns of consequences
The Federal Government called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the two killings and other pending cases of extra-judicial killings of Nigerians, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
It stressed that all persons must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in court, regardless of allegations.
“With the volatile security situation, we appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious,” the Ministry said, advising Nigerians to move to safer neighborhoods and avoid areas prone to violent activities. It added that the evacuation process of registered Nigerians is ongoing.
The government further warned that “all options remain on the table” if the “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners” is not addressed.
The FG, however, urged Nigerians at home not to take retaliatory actions, saying it will continue to pursue dialogue “in the spirit of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity.”
The Ministry reiterated that numerous South African nationals and businesses operate safely in Nigeria without harassment, and said it is the responsibility of the South African Government to protect the lives and properties of all foreigners, including Nigerians legally residing in the country.