..Says ‘all options remain on the table’
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to South Africa over the killing of two Nigerian nationals, saying it may be compelled to take additional measures if attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners continue.
The government also demanded immediate, transparent and comprehensive investigations into the deaths, warning that the recurring attacks raise serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians and the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, were both killed on June 28, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iroegbu allegedly died after being tortured by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Joe was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
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In a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government condemned the killings and called on South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted without delay.
“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed,” the ministry said.
The government described the incidents as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
It noted that the same Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly linked to the killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, have yet to be arrested despite their identities reportedly being known to the South African Police Service.
The ministry expressed concern over what it described as increasing xenophobic attacks against foreigners and warned against attempts to criminalise Nigerians through sweeping stereotypes.
“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa. This raises questions about a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the statement said.
The Federal Government also criticised comments allegedly made by a spokesperson for the South African government, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
According to the ministry, such remarks were inflammatory, unprofessional and amounted to hate speech capable of inciting violence against Nigerians living in South Africa.
It urged South African authorities to launch urgent investigations into the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian citizens, insisting that those responsible must be brought to justice.
While extending condolences to the families of the deceased, the government assured that it would continue engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic levels until justice is served.
The ministry also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, urging them to relocate from areas experiencing violence and avoid locations where xenophobic and Afrophobic protests are ongoing.
It, however, cautioned against retaliatory actions, saying Nigeria remains committed to resolving the situation through dialogue, diplomacy and the principles of African unity and solidarity.
The ministry added that the evacuation process for registered Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa remains ongoing.
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In a separate statement, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, signed by Consul General Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, confirmed that Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police while Joe was murdered by unidentified criminals.
The consulate reiterated its call for thorough investigations and swift prosecution of those responsible.
Similarly, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) demanded a prompt, transparent and exhaustive investigation into the killings.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Akindele Olunloyo, the union said it was working closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg to monitor developments.
The union also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant, exercise caution in their daily activities and promptly report suspicious movements or threats to the South African police.
