Abuja Reacts to South Africa Killings, Demands Justice for Nigerians

Nigeria's Federal Government has vehemently condemned the recent killings of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa, urging the authorities there to promptly investigate these incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The government also expressed deep concern over what it perceives as an escalating trend of assaults targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in South Africa, cautioning that continued violence could strain the diplomatic ties between both nations.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the deceased were identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, also known as Big Joe. The ministry reported that Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what was described as a “gruesome interrogation.” It further noted that the same police officers are suspected of the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026. Despite the alleged identities of the four officers being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests have been made.

“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 statement highlighted. The ministry indicated that these fatalities occurred amidst ongoing xenophobic aggressions against foreigners in South Africa, raising serious alarms about the safety of Nigerian residents.

Consequently, the Nigerian government has called upon South African authorities to conduct immediate investigations into these two deaths, alongside numerous other unresolved cases of extra-judicial killings involving Nigerian nationals in South Africa. It stressed the need for perpetrators of these heinous crimes to face justice without delay. “Our position remains that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law,” the statement affirmed.

The government also denounced a recent televised statement by a South African government spokesperson who reportedly asked Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to disclose where they had hidden illegal drugs. “The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the ministry stated. It added that leaders of groups like March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hatred against fellow Africans, would also be held accountable under regional and international criminal liability.

Nigerian citizens in South Africa were urged by the Federal Government to maintain calm, abide by laws, and remain security-conscious. They were advised to relocate to safer areas and avoid violence-prone neighbourhoods while diplomatic efforts continue. The government appealed to Nigerians at home against resorting to retaliatory actions, emphasizing its commitment to dialogue in line with the principles of African unity and solidarity. The ministry confirmed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is currently underway.

Nigeria reiterated that South Africa, under international law, bears the responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all foreigners, including Nigerians, residing within its borders. While South African nationals and businesses operate freely in Nigeria, the systematic targeting of legally residing Nigerian nationals in South Africa is deemed unacceptable, and their safety must be guaranteed. The statement concluded with a stern warning that if these attacks persist, “all options remain on the table,” suggesting that certain measures could be activated if what it termed “the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners is not addressed.