The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, calling on the South African authorities to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The government also 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.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the victims are identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe.
According to the ministry, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as a “gruesome interrogation.”
It added that the same officers were also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, noting that no arrests had been made despite the identities of the four officers allegedly being known to the South African Police Service.
“The second victim, Mr. Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was killed in front of his shop on 28th June, 2026, in Witbank, Mpumalanga. Of great concern is that the killing was committed by yet-to-be-identified criminals,” the statement read.
The ministry said the incidents occurred amid ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, raising concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
“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.
“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 added.