The Federal Government has strongly condemned the recent killings of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa amid a surge of anti-foreigner protests. It has warned that it may consider unspecified measures if such attacks on Nigerians continue.
In a statement released on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, named the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe. The statement revealed that Iroegbu was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what was described as brutal interrogation techniques.
On the same day, Yunana Joe, known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga. The Ministry noted that the same officers involved in Iroegbu’s death were also allegedly connected to the extrajudicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, earlier in April.
The government highlighted that these tragic incidents come at a time when foreigners in South Africa are increasingly being targeted, raising alarms over attempts to wrongfully portray law-abiding Nigerians as criminals. The safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa is now in question.
This troubling pattern of violence suggests complicity among security personnel, particularly those from Tshwane Metro Police, and raises concerns about the state’s responsibility under International Law. Information gathered by our diplomatic missions provides grounds for potential criminal liability.
While acknowledging that South Africa faces high crime rates, including looting and mob violence, the government emphasized that Nigerians are generally civil in their interactions. It is unjust to scapegoat foreigners for the deep-seated socio-economic challenges facing the nation. The Federal Government also condemned a recent statement made by a South African government spokesperson who suggested that Nigerians leaving due to the xenophobic protests reveal the locations of hidden illegal drugs.
The Nigerian government deemed these remarks as inflammatory, unprofessional, and a form of hate speech that incites negative actions against the Nigerian community. Leaders of groups like March on March and Operation Dudula, which promote violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held accountable for their actions.
The government urged South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and other unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings involving Nigerians, ensuring that those responsible face justice promptly.
The government reiterated the principle that all individuals should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, emphasizing the importance of lawful processes. It expressed condolences to the families of the victims and committed to ongoing dialogue with South African authorities until justice is achieved. Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant during this period of rising xenophobia. They are encouraged to relocate to safer areas and avoid zones prone to violence while the Government seeks diplomatic solutions to combat increasing Afrophobia in South Africa. Furthermore, it was stressed that South African nationals and businesses operate in Nigeria without harassment, and South Africa has an obligation to protect the lives and property of all foreigners, including Nigerians.
The targeted nature of attacks against Nigerians legally residing in South Africa is unacceptable, and their safety must be secured. The Federal Government issued a warning to South Africa, stating that if the situation does not improve, all options remain on the table,” with measures to be activated against what it termed the country’s uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behavior toward foreigners.
The government appealed to Nigerians at home to avoid retaliatory actions. It underscored its commitment to pursuing dialogue and negotiations grounded in African unity, brotherhood, and solidarity, which are key tenets of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Lastly, the Ministry announced that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing, with recent flights successfully bringing more returnees home to Lagos as part of the efforts to ensure their safety amidst the violence.
