Nigeria’s FG Slams Killing Of Two Nigerians In South Africa, Threatens Action
Adedokun Waliyu
3 min read
The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa amid recent anti-foreigner protests, warning that it may take further action if attacks on Nigerians continue.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the victims 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 on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as brutal interrogation methods. On the same day, Big Joe was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The ministry further alleged that the same police officers implicated in Iroegbu’s death were also responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April. It expressed concern that no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers reportedly being known to the South African Police Service.
The government said the killings occurred amid growing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, raising concerns that law-abiding Nigerians are being deliberately portrayed as criminals and increasingly targeted.
It argued that the repeated incidents suggest possible complicity by some security personnel, particularly officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, and warned that the pattern could raise issues of state responsibility under international law.
The Federal Government also criticised remarks reportedly made on South African television by a government spokesperson, who urged Nigerians leaving the country because of the xenophobic protests to reveal where illegal drugs were hidden. Nigeria described the comments as irresponsible, inflammatory and capable of encouraging hatred and violence against Nigerians.
It also condemned groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing them of promoting violence and hatred against fellow Africans.
Nigeria called on the South African authorities to urgently investigate the latest killings, resolve previous cases involving Nigerians, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The government stressed that everyone accused of any offence deserves due process and a fair trial rather than mob violence or extra-judicial killings.
It expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that diplomatic efforts to secure justice would continue.
Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to remain calm, obey the law, stay alert, relocate to safer areas where necessary, and avoid locations prone to violence while diplomatic efforts continue.
The Federal Government also reminded South Africa that its citizens and businesses operate freely and safely in Nigeria, stressing that South Africa has a reciprocal obligation to protect the lives and property of all legally resident foreigners, including Nigerians.
Warning that continued attacks would not be tolerated, the government said that “all options remain on the table” if what it described as intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners persists.
At the same time, Nigerians at home were urged not to retaliate against South African nationals or businesses, as the government remains committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue, diplomacy and African solidarity.
The ministry added that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing, with additional returnees continuing to arrive safely in Nigeria.
