The Federal Government has demanded swift justice for two Nigerians recently killed in South Africa, expressing deep concern over what it described as a growing pattern of violence against its citizens and reaffirming its commitment to evacuating Nigerians willing to leave the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government condemned the killings of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, urging South African authorities to conduct immediate investigations and prosecute those responsible.
According to the ministry, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, during what it described as the use of “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The government further alleged that the same officers had previously been linked to the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026. It noted that although the identities of the four officers involved were known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests had been made.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga, also on June 28.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incidents have heightened fears over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, particularly amid ongoing xenophobic and afrophobic demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.
It maintained that Nigerians should not be unfairly profiled or blamed for South Africa’s internal socio-economic challenges, insisting that the country’s law-abiding citizens deserve equal protection under the law.
The Federal Government also condemned what it called inflammatory comments by a spokesperson of the South African Government, who reportedly suggested that Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests should disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
According to the ministry, such remarks amount to hate speech capable of encouraging violence against Nigerians and further deepening prejudice against the community.
The statement also criticised anti-immigrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing them of inciting attacks against fellow Africans and warning that those responsible for promoting violence could face regional and international criminal accountability.
Nigeria called on the South African Government to urgently investigate the latest killings as well as several unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, stressing that justice must be served without delay.
It emphasised that allegations against any individual should be addressed through lawful judicial processes rather than extra-judicial actions, reaffirming the principle that every suspect is entitled to a fair hearing.
The government extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels until justice is achieved.
It also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, security-conscious and law-abiding, urging them to avoid volatile areas and relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary.
The ministry disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa remains ongoing as part of measures to safeguard citizens affected by the deteriorating security situation.
The Federal Government warned that it would continue to review its options should the targeting of Nigerians persist.
