The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
In a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, demanded 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 alleged that the same officers were responsible for 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 being known to the South African Police Service.
“The Government of Nigeria condemns in 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.
“Earlier, on 20th April, 2026, these same officers are alleged to have been responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Mr Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong. His case still stands, and 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 killing was committed by yet-to-be-identified criminals. The two murders are taking place at a time when foreigners are being unfairly targeted in South Africa.
“The continued pattern of these horrible incidents clearly points to complicity on the part of the security operatives, in particular, the officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility in terms of International Law.
“The data recorded collated by our Missions creates the basis for criminal liability.
It is a fact that South Africa currently has one of the highest rates of crime globally including the culture of looting and mob action. We are more civil 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 greatly concerned about the recent public statement made on television by the spokesperson of the South African Government, requesting Nigerians leaving the country as a result of the ongoing xenophobic protests to reveal the locations where they hide illegal drugs. Such unguarded public utterances 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. The gang leaders of groups such as 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 urges the South African authorities to carry out urgent investigations into the two killings and several other pending cases of extra-judicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and bring the perpetrators of the heinous crimes to justice without further delay. Whatever the allegations or suspicions, we believe there are legal processes and steps to justice.” All are presumed innocent and are to be given a fair hearing in a court of law.
“The Federal Government commiserates with the families and associates of the deceased and will continue to engage the highest authorities in South Africa until justice is served. Given the volatile security situation, we call on our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious, especially in view of the ongoing xenophobic and afrophobic demonstrations in the country.
“They are encouraged to move to safer neighbourhoods and stay away from places 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 reiterate that there are many South African nationals and businesses operating safely in Nigeria without any form of harassment. It is also the responsibility of the South African Government to protect the lives and properties of all foreigners including Nigerian nationals living in the country.
“Therefore, the systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally resident in South Africa is unacceptable, and their safety must be assured.
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 urges the general Nigerian public to remain calm and not take laws into their 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 process of evacuation of registered Nigerians is still ongoing.”
