By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa, warning that continued violence could strain bilateral relations.
The government’s reaction followed the killing of two Nigerians, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe (Big Joe), on June 28, 2026. In a statement issued Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said all options remain on the table if the targeting of its citizens continues.
According to the statement, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what was described as a “gruesome interrogation.” The same officers were also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Ekpenyong, on April 20, with no arrests made despite suspects being known to the South African Police Service.
Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was killed in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified criminals.
The ministry noted that the repeated incidents suggested possible law enforcement involvement, which could implicate the South African government under international law.
“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 are brought to justice without further delay,” the statement read.
The government also condemned remarks by a South African government spokesperson asking Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic protests to show where they hide illegal drugs, describing the statement as hate speech that incites violence against Nigerians.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored 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 said.
It further warned that gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, would be held accountable under regional and international criminal liability.
The Federal Government urged South African authorities to investigate the deaths and ensure the safety of Nigerians legally residing in the country, but cautioned that it would act if the trend persists.
“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 statement added.
