FG has warned South Africa over the killings of Nigerians and demanded justice for two victims.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has warned that it may take additional diplomatic measures against South Africa if attacks on Nigerian citizens continue, following the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents.
Nigeria also condemned the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, demanding immediate, transparent and thorough investigations while expressing concern over what it described as the resurgence of xenophobic violence targeting foreigners.
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The two Nigerians were killed on June 28, 2026.
According to the Federal Government, Iroegbu allegedly died after being tortured by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Big Joe was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
In separate statements issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, and the Nigerian Union South Africa, Nigerian authorities called on the South African government to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted without delay.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that Nigeria could adopt stronger measures if the attacks persist.
“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed,” the ministry stated.
The government described the latest killings as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
It noted that officers of the Tshwane Metro Police allegedly involved in the killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, have yet to be arrested despite being known to the South African Police Service.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government expressed outrage over the incidents.
“One victim, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was reportedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers on 28th June 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, using gruesome interrogation techniques,” the statement said.
The ministry recalled that the same officers were allegedly responsible for the earlier killing of Ekpenyong.
“His case is still pending; no arrests have been made, even though the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service,” it added.
The government expressed concern over what it described as increasing xenophobic attacks and attempts to stereotype Nigerians living in South Africa.
“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa. This raises questions about a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the ministry stated.
The Federal Government also accused some South African security personnel, particularly members of the Tshwane Metro Police, of complicity in attacks against Nigerians.
It further condemned remarks reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson, who allegedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country over xenophobic attacks to disclose the locations of illegal drugs.
Nigeria described the comments as inflammatory and capable of inciting violence.
“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 Federal Government urged South African authorities to urgently investigate the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals.
“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 extrajudicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay.”
While extending condolences to the families of the deceased, the government pledged to continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels until justice is served.
The ministry also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, urging them to avoid violence-prone areas and relocate to safer locations where necessary amid ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic protests.
It further appealed to Nigerians not to resort to retaliation, stressing that the government remains committed to resolving the matter through dialogue in the spirit of African unity and solidarity.
The ministry added that arrangements to evacuate registered Nigerians willing to leave South Africa remain ongoing.
Similarly, the Nigerian Consul General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, confirmed that Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, while Big Joe was murdered by unidentified criminals.
“We continue to call on the South African authorities to investigate the cases and bring the perpetrators of the gruesome acts to justice without further delay,” the Consul General said.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) also demanded a comprehensive investigation into the killings.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Akindele Olunloyo, the union said it was working closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg to monitor developments.
The union urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
“In light of these tragic killings, we urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant. Please exercise extreme caution in your daily activities, know your surroundings, and report any suspicious activities to the local police,” the statement added.
