Nigeria condemns killings of two nationals in South Africa, warns ‘all options remain on table’
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the killings of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and accused elements of fomenting xenophobic, extra‑judicial violence that endangers Nigerians living there.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry linked the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu allegedly killed on 28 June 2026 by Tshwane Metro Police officers in Sunnyside, Pretoria and Musa Yunana Joe, known as “Big Joe,” who was shot dead in front of his shop on 28 June 2026 in Witbank, Mpumalanga, to a broader pattern of targeting foreigners.
The MFA said the incidents “raise questions about deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard‑working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals.”
The ministry further alleged a worrying pattern of conduct by security operatives, noting earlier claims that the same Tshwane officers were implicated in the April killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, for which arrests have not been made.
“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,” the statement said.
Nigeria’s MFA also criticised recent public remarks by a South African government spokesperson, calling them “derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored” and warning such comments amount to hate speech that “influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community.”
The statement singled out anti‑immigrant groups, saying organisers “who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”
Calling for immediate investigations and prosecutions, the ministry demanded that South African authorities “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 added, “Our position remains 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.”
The statement expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and security conscious, and confirmed that evacuation efforts for registered Nigerians were ongoing.
In a stern diplomatic posture, the ministry put South Africa “on notice” and warned that “if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table.”
International and regional bodies have previously urged both governments to de‑escalate tensions and cooperate on protecting migrants; the latest statement is likely to increase pressure for transparent investigations and cross‑border diplomacy.
