The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, demanding urgent investigations and prosecution of those responsible for the alleged crimes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, expressing concern over what it described as a growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, during what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The government also alleged that the same officers were responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026.
It stated that despite the identities of the officers allegedly involved being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests had been made.
The statement added that another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was killed in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28, 2026, by yet-to-be-identified criminals.
The Federal Government said the incidents raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, especially amid reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners.
Nigeria accused some elements of attempting to portray Nigerians as criminals, stressing that such generalisation was unfair and unacceptable.
The government further condemned comments allegedly made by a South African government spokesperson concerning Nigerians leaving the country amid xenophobic protests, describing the remarks as inflammatory and capable of fuelling hostility against Nigerians.
It called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the killings and other pending cases involving Nigerian nationals, insisting that perpetrators must be brought to justice.
“The Government of Nigeria 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 the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay,” the statement read.
The Federal Government sympathised with the families of the deceased and assured Nigerians that it would continue diplomatic engagements with South African authorities until justice is achieved.
It also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and security conscious, advising them to avoid areas prone to violent activities.
The government warned that continued attacks against Nigerians could lead to further diplomatic actions, while reiterating its commitment to resolving the matter through dialogue in the spirit of African unity and cooperation.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.