FG Slams South Africa Over K!ll!ng Of Nigerians, Demands Immediate Investigation

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa, calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incidents while urging South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.

The ministry alleged that one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, died after being subjected to what it described as brutal interrogation methods by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026. It further claimed that the same officers had earlier been implicated in the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, noting that despite the identities of the officers being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests have been made.

The statement also disclosed that another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28 by yet-to-be-identified assailants. The ministry said the incidents occurred amid growing reports of foreigners being targeted in South Africa.

The Federal Government argued that the recurring attacks, particularly those allegedly involving law enforcement officers, raise serious concerns about accountability and possible state responsibility under international law. It maintained that records compiled by Nigerian diplomatic missions point to a pattern of criminal conduct requiring urgent attention.

While acknowledging South Africa’s high crime rate, the government insisted that foreigners should not be made scapegoats for the country’s socio-economic challenges. It stressed that Nigerians have consistently upheld the rule of law in their interactions with foreign nationals and deserve equal protection abroad.

Nigeria also criticised recent public remarks reportedly made by a spokesperson for the South African government, who allegedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country amid xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the comments as irresponsible, offensive and capable of encouraging hostility and violence against Nigerians.

The government further condemned the activities of groups accused of promoting anti-foreigner sentiments, warning that individuals and organisations inciting hatred and violence against fellow Africans could face regional and international criminal liability.

The Federal Government urged South African authorities to expedite investigations into the recent killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, emphasising that every individual is entitled to due process and a fair hearing regardless of any allegations against them.

It also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured Nigerians that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities would continue until justice is achieved. In view of the prevailing security concerns, Nigerians residing in South Africa were advised to remain calm, obey local laws, stay security conscious, relocate to safer areas where necessary, and avoid locations prone to violence as xenophobic and Afrophobic demonstrations persist.

The government reiterated that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely and safely in Nigeria without harassment, stressing that South Africa has a corresponding obligation to guarantee the safety and property of all foreigners within its borders, including Nigerians.

Warning that the continued targeting of Nigerians is unacceptable, the Federal Government said it reserves the right to consider additional measures should the situation remain unresolved. Nevertheless, it appealed to Nigerians at home to refrain from retaliatory actions, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue, diplomacy and the principles of African unity while continuing the evacuation of registered Nigerians willing to return home.