Nigeria condemns killing of two citizens in South Africa, warns of international action

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, accusing South African security operatives of complicity in one of the deaths.

It warned that it may pursue regional and international action if attacks against Nigerians continue.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government described the incidents as deeply disturbing and called on the South African authorities to immediately investigate the killings and prosecute those responsible.

According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police using what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.”

The ministry also recalled the earlier killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, who was allegedly shot dead by the same police officers on April 20, 2026.

It said no arrests had been made despite the identities of the four officers involved being known to the South African Police Service.

The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was reportedly murdered by unidentified gunmen in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28.

Read also: Nigeria accuses South Africa police of “gruesome” killing of citizens

The Nigerian government said the killings occurred amid growing xenophobic tensions in South Africa and expressed concern that Nigerians and other foreign nationals were increasingly becoming targets of violence.

It argued that the recurring attacks raise serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa and questioned what it described as attempts by certain groups to unfairly portray hardworking and law-abiding Nigerians as criminals.

The ministry further alleged that the continuing pattern of attacks, particularly those involving officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, points to possible complicity by security operatives and raises questions of state responsibility under international law.

It maintained that records compiled by Nigerian diplomatic missions provide grounds for criminal liability and stressed that South Africa’s high crime rate and persistent mob violence should not be used as justification for targeting foreigners.

The Federal Government also criticised recent remarks attributed to a spokesperson of the South African Government, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.

According to the ministry, such statements were irresponsible, derogatory and capable of inciting hatred and violence against Nigerians residing in South Africa.

It equally condemned the activities of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing their leaders of promoting violence and hate against fellow Africans.

The government warned that those responsible for inciting attacks against foreigners could face regional and international criminal liability.

Nigeria urged the South African authorities to urgently conclude investigations into the two recent killings as well as several unresolved cases involving Nigerian victims and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

It stressed that regardless of any allegations against individuals, due process and the rule of law must always prevail, noting that suspects should be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

The ministry expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and pledged that Nigeria would continue engaging South Africa at the highest diplomatic levels until justice is achieved.

It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious in view of ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic demonstrations.

The government urged citizens to relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary and avoid areas prone to violence while diplomatic efforts continue to address what it described as the growing scourge of Afrophobia in South Africa.

“Bumerous South African nationals and businesses continue to operate freely and safely in Nigeria without harassment, insisting that the South African Government has a corresponding obligation to protect the lives and property of Nigerians legally residing within its borders”, the statement noted.

It described what it called the systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals as unacceptable and demanded stronger guarantees for their safety.

The Federal Government further warned that should the attacks persist, it would consider activating all available diplomatic and legal options.

It also appealed to Nigerians at home to remain peaceful and refrain from retaliatory actions, saying it remains committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue, negotiation and the principles of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity that underpin Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians willing to leave South Africa is ongoing.