NIGERIA: FG Condemns Killing Of Two Nigerians In South Africa, Demands Swift Justice

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, calling on South African authorities to immediately investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The government also expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, warning that continued violence could negatively affect diplomatic relations between both countries.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the victims were identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe.

According to the ministry, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police Department on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as a “gruesome interrogation.”

The ministry further alleged that the same officers were responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026.

It noted that despite the identities of the four officers allegedly being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests had been made.

The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop on June 28 in Witbank by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the killings occurred against the backdrop of continuing xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in South Africa, raising fresh concerns over the safety and security of Nigerians living in the country.

It urged South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the latest killings and several other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, stressing that those responsible should be prosecuted without delay.

“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law,” the ministry stated.

The Federal Government also condemned what it described as inflammatory remarks allegedly made during a televised interview by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly asked Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to disclose where they had hidden illegal drugs.

According to the ministry, such statements are unacceptable and amount to hate speech capable of inciting hostility and violence against members of the Nigerian community.

The government also criticised anti-immigrant groups, including Operation Dudula and March on March, accusing their leaders of promoting violence and hatred against fellow Africans.

It warned that individuals responsible for inciting attacks could face regional and international legal consequences.

While appealing to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, the Federal Government advised them to relocate to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas prone to violence as diplomatic engagements continue.

It also urged Nigerians at home not to retaliate against South African citizens or businesses, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the matter through dialogue in line with the principles of African unity and solidarity.

The ministry disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians willing to leave South Africa was ongoing.

It further maintained that South Africa has an obligation under international law to protect the lives and property of all foreign nationals residing within its borders, including Nigerians.

1. The government noted that South African businesses and nationals continue to operate freely in Nigeria and insisted that the continued targeting of Nigerians legally residing in South Africa is unacceptable.

Warning that patience was wearing thin, the Federal Government said if the attacks persist, “all options remain on the table,” adding that appropriate measures could be activated should what it described as “the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners continue unchecked.