The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa, calling for urgent investigations and the prosecution of those responsible while expressing concern over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in the country.
The demand was made in a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The ministry urged the South African authorities to ensure justice for the victims and guarantee the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Iroegbu, was allegedly killed on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as gruesome interrogation by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police Department.
The second victim, Musa Yunana, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was also killed on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after unidentified gunmen reportedly shot him in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The government also referenced the unresolved death of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Ekpenyong, who was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police Department on Monday, April 20, 2026, stressing that the case has yet to be concluded.
“The Government of Nigeria strongly condemns the recent killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa.”
The ministry urged South African authorities to carry out thorough investigations into the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian citizens.
“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 the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay.”
The government maintained that criminal allegations should always be addressed through the judicial process.
“No matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice.”
The ministry said the latest incidents occurred amid renewed attacks against foreigners in South Africa, warning that the trend risks unfairly portraying law-abiding Nigerians as criminals.
“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa.”
“This raises questions about deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals.”
The statement disclosed that 859 Nigerians have already been evacuated from South Africa following the renewed wave of xenophobic violence.
It added that while Nigeria remains committed to diplomatic engagement and African solidarity, it expects decisive action from the South African government to protect foreign nationals and uphold the rule of law.
The Federal Government also warned that continued attacks on Nigerians could compel it to explore stronger diplomatic measures.
“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table.”