Xenophobia: FG Condemns Killing Of Two Nigerians In South Africa, Demands Probe Of Police Officers

The Nigerian Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, demanding an immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible while raising fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians amid what it described as growing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in the country.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday, the government identified the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as "Big Joe.”

According to the statement, Iroegbu was “reportedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers on 28th June, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, using gruesome interrogation techniques."

The ministry also recalled that "earlier, on 20th April, 2026, these same officers were allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Mr. Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Expenyong."

It added that “his case is still pending: no arrests have been made, even though the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service (SAPS)."

The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, was "killed in front of his shop on 28th June, 2026, in Witbank, Mpumalanga," by "yet-to-be-identified criminals."

The Nigerian Government said the incidents occurred "at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa," adding that the attacks "raise questions about deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals."

It further stated that the killings "raise further questions over the general safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”

The ministry argued that "the continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility under International Law."

According to the statement, "the recorded data collated by our Missions lays the grounds for criminal liability."

The government also condemned what it described as inflammatory comments by a South African government spokesperson, who allegedly asked Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to "show where they hide illegal drugs."

It described the remarks as "unacceptable”. The statement added that "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.”

Nigeria further warned that “the gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”

It urged 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.”

It stressed 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.”

While sympathising with the families of the victims, the government appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to "remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious," advising them to relocate to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas prone to violence as diplomatic efforts continue to address the growing scourge of Afrophobia.

The statement also reiterated that South African nationals and businesses "operate safely in Nigeria without harassment of any kind," stressing that it is equally the responsibility of the South African Government to protect the lives and property of all foreigners residing in the country.

Nigeria and some other African countries, including Ghana and Malawi, have repeatedly evacuated its citizens from South Africa following recurring xenophobic attacks that have resulted in the deaths, displacement and destruction of property belonging to foreign nationals.