The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in a statement on Sunday, called for an urgent investigation into the matter.
One of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, in what the ministry described as “gruesome interrogation techniques”.
It also accused the same officers of the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong on April 20, 2026, and said no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers known to the South African Police Service.
“The Government of Nigeria condemns in the strongest terms the recent killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa. One victim, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was reportedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers on 28th June 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, with gruesome interrogation techniques.
On 20th April, 2026, earlier, these same officers are alleged to have been responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Mr Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong. His case is still pending, no arrests have been made even though the four officers involved are 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 28th June 2026 in Witbank, Mpumalanga. Of great concern, is that the murder was committed by criminals who are yet to be identified. The two murders come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa.
“The persistent pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly indicative 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 data recorded collated by our Missions lays the grounds for criminal liability.
It is a fact that South Africa today has one of the highest crime rates in the world including the culture of looting and mob action. We tend to be more civil in our dealings with foreign nationals, and we always respect the rule of law in dealing with illegalities.
“It is unfair, therefore, to target foreigners and make them scapegoats of endemic socio-economic conditions that need to be addressed by the authorities.
“Nigeria is deeply concerned about the recent public statement on television by the spokesperson of the South African Government, asking Nigerians exiting the country as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests to disclose the locations where they hide illegal drugs. Such unguarded public pronouncements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that stirs and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community. Gang leaders of groups like March on March and Operation Dudula who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans will be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.
“The Government of Nigeria therefore calls on the South African authorities to undertake 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 the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay. We maintain that whatever the allegations or suspicions, there are legal processes and steps to justice. All are presumed innocent and to be given a fair hearing in a court of law.
“The Federal Government sympathizes with the families and associates of the deceased and will continue to engage the highest authorities in South Africa until justice is done. In light of the volatile security situation, we urge our nationals to remain calm, law abiding and security conscious particularly in light of the ongoing xenophobic and afrophobic demonstrations in the country.
“They are advised to relocate to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas that are prone to violent activities while the Government continues to explore diplomatic solutions to address the growing scourge of Afrophobia in South Africa.
“The Government of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm that there are many South African nationals and businesses operating safely in Nigeria without any form of harassment. It is also the duty of the South African Government to protect the lives and properties of all foreigners including Nigerian nationals in the country.
“Consequently, the deliberate targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally resident in South Africa is unacceptable and their safety must be guaranteed.
“We want to warn the South African government that if the situation continues to persist, all options will be on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed.
“The government is urging the general Nigerian public to remain calm and not to take laws into their own hands with retaliatory actions. We shall continue to pursue dialogue and negotiations in the spirit of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity, which are the cornerstones of Nigeria’s foreign policy in resolving the unfortunate developments. “The evacuation process of registered Nigerians is still ongoing.”