The Federal Government has demanded an immediate investigation into the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, warning that the continued targeting of Nigerians and other foreign nationals is unacceptable.
In a statement the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, identified the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe.
According to the ministry, Mr Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police Department in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Mr Joe was shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on the same day.
The government also recalled the earlier alleged extra-judicial killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, saying no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers allegedly involved being known to the South African Police Service.
“The Government of Nigeria strongly condemns the recent killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa,” the ministry said.
It said the latest incidents came amid renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals, raising fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The ministry described the recurring attacks as part of a “disturbing pattern” and expressed concern over what it called the alleged involvement of some security personnel, particularly members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department.
Nigeria also criticised recent remarks by a South African government spokesperson linking departing Nigerians to illegal drugs, describing the comments as “unacceptable” and warning they could fuel hostility against Nigerians.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements… 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 conduct thorough investigations into the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, insisting that anyone accused of criminal offences should be prosecuted through due process and a fair trial.
It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, obey local laws and avoid areas prone to violence while diplomatic engagements continue.
The ministry added that the evacuation of registered Nigerians wishing to return home is ongoing.
The government stressed that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria and said Pretoria has a corresponding obligation under international law to protect the lives and property of all foreign nationals within its borders.
It warned that Nigeria would consider additional measures if the attacks continue, while maintaining its commitment to dialogue in the spirit of African unity and solidarity.
