The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and demanded urgent investigations, warning that the continued targeting of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country raises serious concerns over their safety.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026.
The ministry said the same officers were also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, noting that no arrests had been made despite the officers being known to the South African Police Service.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly killed in front of his shop on June 28 in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified attackers.
The Federal Government said the incidents came amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa and a growing pattern of attacks on foreigners.
It said the repeated killings, particularly those allegedly involving security operatives, raised questions about state responsibility under international law.
“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 ministry said.
Nigeria also condemned recent public comments by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly asked Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to reveal where they hide illegal drugs.
The ministry described the remarks as “unguarded,” “derogatory” and “unprofessional,” warning that such statements amount to hate speech capable of inciting hostility and violence against Nigerians living in South Africa.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the statement said.
The Federal Government called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the killings and other pending cases involving Nigerian nationals, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice 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 said.
The government sympathised with the families of the deceased and said it would continue to engage South African authorities at the highest level until justice is served.
It also appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious, especially amid ongoing xenophobic and afrophobic demonstrations in parts of the country.
The ministry advised Nigerians to move to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas prone to violence while the government pursues diplomatic efforts to address what it described as the growing scourge of afrophobia in South Africa.
The Federal Government stressed that South African nationals and businesses continue to operate safely in Nigeria and said the South African government has a responsibility to protect the lives and property of all foreigners, including Nigerians, living in the country.
It warned that if the attacks and harassment continue, Nigeria may be forced to consider further measures.
“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table,” the ministry said.
It, however, urged Nigerians at home not to resort to retaliatory actions, saying the government would continue to pursue dialogue and negotiations in line with the principles of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity.
The ministry added that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa was ongoing.