The Nigerian Federal Government has formally denounced the recent killings of Nigerian citizens in South Africa, demanding immediate investigations and the prosecution of those involved. This condemnation was conveyed via a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to official reports, Emeka Charles Iroegbu died on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, following what the ministry described as brutal interrogation methods employed by the Tshwane Metro Police. The same unit has been linked to the extra-judicial killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong on April 20, 2026. Despite the identities of the involved officers being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests have been made.
In a separate incident on June 28, 2026, Musa Yunana Joe, also known as Big Joe, was murdered by unidentified attackers at his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga. These events occur amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa. The Nigerian government expressed concern regarding public statements made by South African officials, which they categorize as hate speech that may incite further violence against Nigerians.
Nigeria emphasized that while it fosters a safe environment for South African businesses and citizens, it expects the same protection for its own nationals abroad. The government has urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and cautious while it continues to pursue diplomatic avenues to address the crisis. Officials warned that all options remain on the table if the safety of Nigerian citizens is not adequately guaranteed by South African authorities.
