FG FAULTS ANTI-FOREIGNER SENTIMENTS AFTER DEATHS OF NIGERIANS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and called for a swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, during what it described as brutal interrogation procedures.
The government also alleged that the same officers were involved in the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026. It noted that despite the identities of the officers being known to the South African Police Service, no arrests have been made.
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In a separate incident, another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28, 2026, by unidentified attackers.
The Nigerian government expressed concern that the killings occurred amid increasing hostility and xenophobic sentiments directed at foreigners in South Africa. It warned against attempts to unfairly portray law-abiding Nigerians as criminals and questioned the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.
The statement further argued that the recurring incidents suggest a disturbing pattern and raised concerns about the role of some security personnel, particularly members of the Tshwane Metro Police. It added that records compiled by Nigerian diplomatic missions could form the basis for criminal accountability.
Nigeria also criticised recent remarks by a South African government spokesperson who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country over xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden. The Federal Government described the comments as irresponsible, inflammatory and unacceptable.
According to the statement, such sweeping and derogatory remarks by public officials amount to hate speech capable of encouraging hostility and violence against Nigerians. It also condemned the activities of groups accused of promoting anti-foreigner sentiments and violence.
The government urged South African authorities to immediately investigate the killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian victims, stressing that all suspects, regardless of allegations against them, deserve due process and a fair hearing under the law.
It extended condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged continued diplomatic engagement with South African authorities until justice is achieved.
The Federal Government also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, obey the law and stay vigilant, particularly in light of ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic demonstrations. Citizens were encouraged to relocate to safer areas and avoid locations prone to violence where necessary.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, Nigeria stressed that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely and safely within Nigeria and called on the South African government to provide similar protection for Nigerians residing in its territory.
The government maintained that the continued targeting of Nigerians is unacceptable and warned that it could consider further measures if the situation persists. At the same time, it urged Nigerians at home and abroad not to engage in retaliatory actions, emphasizing that diplomatic channels remain the preferred path to resolving the crisis.
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