FG Condemns Fresh Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa, Warns of Possible Action

The Federal Government has expressed strong condemnation over the reported deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, warning that continued attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners could force Nigeria to take further measures.

The latest incidents have intensified concerns over the safety of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa, particularly amid renewed anti-foreigner protests and growing reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic violence in different parts of the country.

The two Nigerians identified in the latest cases were Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe.

Iroegbu was reportedly killed on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Yunana Joe was reportedly shot dead outside his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on the same day.

The circumstances surrounding the two deaths have raised serious concerns within Nigeria, particularly because one of the victims was allegedly killed during an encounter involving law enforcement personnel.

The Federal Government said Iroegbu’s death was linked to what it described as the use of severe interrogation methods by Tshwane Metro Police officers.

Authorities also raised concerns over the case of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, whose death in April was previously linked to the same security personnel allegedly involved in Iroegbu’s case.

The government said the earlier case remained unresolved, with no arrests made despite the identities of the officers reportedly being known to the South African Police Service.

The latest incidents have consequently raised questions about whether Nigerian nationals are receiving adequate protection from law enforcement agencies and other authorities in South Africa.

The Federal Government said the deaths occurred at a particularly sensitive time, as foreigners in South Africa were facing increasing hostility from groups campaigning against undocumented migrants.

Anti-foreigner protests have intensified in parts of the country, with some groups accusing foreign nationals of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

Nigerians have repeatedly been among the African nationals affected by such tensions.

The Nigerian government has rejected any attempt to collectively portray Nigerians living in South Africa as criminals, arguing that law-abiding citizens should not be targeted because of the actions of individuals who may be involved in crime.

It also criticised remarks attributed to a South African government spokesperson concerning Nigerians leaving the country amid the unrest.

The comments reportedly suggested that Nigerians departing South Africa should disclose where they had been hiding illegal drugs.

Nigeria described such remarks as inappropriate and inflammatory, arguing that statements by senior officials can contribute to negative perceptions of Nigerians and potentially encourage hostility against them.

The Federal Government warned that inflammatory rhetoric could worsen an already tense environment and expose innocent Nigerians to additional risks.

It also called on South African authorities to investigate the reported deaths thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought before the appropriate courts.

Nigeria stressed that allegations of criminal activity should be addressed through lawful procedures rather than violence, extrajudicial punishment or collective targeting.

The government also emphasised the importance of the right to due process, saying that accusations against individuals should not be treated as proof of guilt without proper investigation and judicial determination.

The development has placed additional pressure on relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s most influential countries.

The countries have extensive economic, diplomatic and people-to-people ties, with large Nigerian communities living and working in South Africa.

Nigerian businesses and professionals operate across several sectors in the country, while South African companies have significant commercial interests in Nigeria.

Despite the strong relationship between the two countries, repeated incidents involving attacks on Nigerians have periodically created diplomatic tension.

The latest killings have therefore renewed calls for stronger measures to protect Nigerians abroad and ensure that cases involving their deaths are properly investigated.

The Federal Government said Nigeria would continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels while monitoring developments.

It also warned that continued attacks could lead to further action, placing South Africa on notice that Nigeria could activate additional measures if what it described as the targeting of Nigerians persisted.

At the same time, the government urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.

Nigerians in affected areas were encouraged to remain security-conscious, stay away from locations where violent demonstrations were taking place and consider moving to safer neighbourhoods when necessary.

The government said diplomatic engagement remained its preferred approach to resolving the crisis.

It also maintained that South African citizens and businesses operating in Nigeria continue to enjoy protection and should not be subjected to retaliation because of incidents occurring in South Africa.

Nigeria therefore expects South African authorities to provide similar protection to Nigerian citizens legally residing in the country.

The government argued that foreigners who are lawfully present in South Africa should be able to live, work and operate businesses without fear of violence or intimidation.

The latest deaths have also coincided with efforts to evacuate Nigerians caught up in the growing anti-migrant tensions.

The Federal Government said the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa was ongoing, with groups of Nigerians being brought back to the country as security concerns increased.

The evacuation programme highlights the seriousness of the situation, particularly for Nigerians who believe their safety has become increasingly difficult to guarantee in certain communities.

For families of the victims, however, the immediate concern remains justice and accountability.

The government has expressed sympathy to the relatives of Iroegbu and Yunana Joe and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities over the cases.

The circumstances surrounding each death will ultimately need to be established through credible investigations.

In Iroegbu’s case, particular attention is expected to focus on the conduct of the Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly involved in his death.

Authorities will also need to establish the circumstances surrounding Yunana Joe’s shooting, identify the perpetrators and determine whether the killing was connected to the wider anti-foreigner tensions.

The Nigerian government has made clear that it does not want Nigerians at home to respond through violence or attacks against South African nationals.

Instead, it has called for restraint and continued diplomatic engagement.

This approach reflects the broader concern that retaliatory attacks could further damage relations between both countries and put innocent people at risk.

The government has also argued that Nigeria’s response must be based on international law, diplomatic engagement and the protection of its citizens rather than uncontrolled retaliation.

The latest controversy has nevertheless increased pressure on South Africa to address xenophobia and ensure that law enforcement agencies respond appropriately to violence against foreigners.

Nigeria has continued to insist that South African authorities have a responsibility to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals legally residing within the country’s borders.

The Federal Government’s warning that “all options remain on the table” signals growing frustration over what it considers a recurring pattern of attacks.

For Nigerian nationals living in South Africa, the situation has created renewed anxiety about their personal safety, businesses and properties.

The government has therefore urged citizens to remain vigilant while it continues discussions with South African authorities.

The latest deaths have once again demonstrated how quickly tensions surrounding migration and xenophobia can develop into serious diplomatic disputes.

As investigations continue, Nigeria is expected to closely monitor developments and press for accountability in the two cases.

For now, the Federal Government has condemned the deaths, demanded urgent investigations and warned that continued attacks against Nigerians could have consequences for bilateral relations.

The government has also reiterated that its priority is the protection of Nigerian citizens while maintaining dialogue with South Africa in the spirit of African solidarity.

Whether the investigations result in arrests and prosecutions will be closely watched by the Nigerian government, the families of the victims and Nigerians living across South Africa.