The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, urging the South African authorities to immediately investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
The government also expressed concern over what it described as an increasing wave of attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, warning that the continued violence could negatively affect relations between both countries.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the victims were identified 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 a gruesome interrogation.
The ministry further alleged that the same officers were responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, noting that despite the identities of the four officers allegedly being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests had been made.
It added that Musa Yunana Joe was shot dead in front of his shop on June 28 in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
The Federal Government said the incidents were part of a disturbing trend of xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in South Africa, raising fresh concerns about the safety and security of Nigerians living in the country.
It called on the South African government to expedite investigations into the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian citizens, insisting that all perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay.
The ministry stressed that regardless of any allegation or suspicion against an individual, due process must be followed and every suspect should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The government also condemned recent remarks attributed to a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly urged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to disclose where they had hidden illegal drugs.
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According to the ministry, such comments were derogatory, unprofessional and capable of inciting hatred and violence against Nigerians. It also criticised anti-immigrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing them of promoting hostility toward fellow Africans.
The Federal Government appealed to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, while advising them to relocate to safer areas and avoid violence-prone locations as diplomatic engagements continue.
It also urged Nigerians at home not to engage in retaliatory actions, assuring that it would continue to pursue diplomatic solutions in line with the principles of African unity and solidarity.
The ministry disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa was ongoing and reiterated that South Africa has an obligation under international law to protect the lives and property of all foreign nationals within its borders.
It added that while South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria, the repeated targeting of Nigerians legally residing in South Africa was unacceptable and must end.
The Federal Government warned that if the attacks persist, it may be compelled to consider additional measures, insisting that what it described as an “intolerant and apartheid-style” pattern of violence against foreigners cannot be allowed to continue.