The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, in South Africa, and called for a thorough investigation into the incidents.
The government made the call in a statement issued on Sunday by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
It urged the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the killings and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The Federal Government also expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, warning that continued violence could negatively affect relations between both countries.
According to the ministry, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28 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, noting that no arrests had been made despite the identities of the four officers allegedly being known to the South African Police Service.
“The second victim, Mr Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was killed in front of his shop on June 28, 2026, in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
“Of great concern is that the killing was committed by yet-to-be-identified criminals,” the statement said.
The ministry said the incidents occurred amid ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, raising fresh concerns about the safety and security of Nigerians residing in the country.
“The Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the two killings and several other pending cases of extra-judicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay,” it stated.
It stressed that irrespective of any allegations or suspicions against individuals, due process and the rule of law must be upheld.
“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 ministry said.
The Federal Government also condemned 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.
It described the remarks as derogatory, unprofessional and capable of inciting hatred and violence against Nigerians.
“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 statement said.
The ministry also warned that leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, accused of inciting violence and hatred against foreign nationals, could face regional and international criminal liability.
The government appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, advising them to relocate to safer areas and avoid communities prone to violence while diplomatic efforts continue.
It also urged Nigerians at home not to engage in retaliatory actions, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the situation through dialogue in line with the principles of African unity and solidarity.
According to the ministry, the evacuation of registered Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa is ongoing.
The government reiterated that South Africa has an obligation under international law to protect the lives and property of all foreign nationals legally residing within its territory.
It noted that South African nationals and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria and insisted that Nigerians living lawfully in South Africa deserve similar protection.
“The systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed,” it said.
The ministry warned that if the attacks continue unabated, “all options remain on the table,” adding that further measures could be considered if what it described as an “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners was not addressed.
