FG Condemns Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa, Demands Justice
By: Abudu Olalekan
The Federal Government has come out swinging after two Nigerian nationals were killed in South Africa. They want the authorities over there to investigate. Like, yesterday. Whoever is responsible? They need to face the music.
Sunday’s statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wasn’t gentle. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesperson, laid it bare. The victims? Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe. Most people knew him as Big Joe.
Iroegbu didn’t just die, he was allegedly killed by officers from the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026. Right there in Sunnyside, Pretoria. The ministry called it a “gruesome interrogation.” Think about that for a second. Police officers. Gruesome interrogation. Dead.
But that’s not even all.
Those same officers? They are also suspected in the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, back on April 20, 2026. Four months apart. Same unit. And guess what? No arrests. The ministry says South African police know exactly who these four officers are, yet nothing.
Then there’s Big Joe. He was gunned down in front of his own shop. June 28, 2026. Witbank, Mpumalanga. The shooters? Still unknown, just another Nigerian businessman caught in the crossfire.
The ministry didn’t mince words. These killings didn’t happen in a vacuum. Xenophobic attacks are on the rise in South Africa. And Nigerians are bearing the brunt of it.
“Urgent investigations,” the statement read. Not later. Now. For these two killings and the pile of other pending cases where Nigerians ended up dead at the hands of authorities or mobs. The government wants every perpetrator dragged to court. Immediately.
And they made something else clear. Allegations don’t equal guilt. “All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law.” Due process. That’s the line.
Then came the part about that televised statement. You know the one. A South African government spokesperson went on TV and told Nigerians fleeing xenophobic protests to reveal where they supposedly hid illegal drugs.
Yeah, Nigeria didn’t take that well.
“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable,” the ministry fired back. They called it hate speech. Plain and simple. When high-ranking officials talk like that, it gives cover to violence. It incites people.
They also name-dropped the gangs. March on March. Operation Dudula. The ministry warned that their leaders will be held accountable. Not just locally. Regionally. Internationally. Criminal liability.
For Nigerians still in South Africa, the message was calm but firm. Stay law-abiding. Keep your head down. But also, be smart. Move if you have to. Avoid the hotspots. The government says it’s working on things diplomatically.
Back home, the plea was even simpler. Don’t retaliate. Don’t burn bridges. African unity still matters.
Oh, and if you registered for evacuation? They’re working on it. The ministry confirmed the evacuation of registered Nigerians are ongoing.
Here’s the thing though. Nigeria reminded South Africa of it’s obligations under international law. Protect foreigners. Protect their property. It’s not optional.
The statement noted something that stings. South African nationals and businesses? They operate freely in Nigeria. No harassment. No targeting. So why are Nigerians in South Africa getting hunted?
“The systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable,” the ministry stated. Safety should be guaranteed. Period.
And then came the warning.
If these attacks don’t stop, “all options remain on the table.” Nigeria isn’t ruling anything out. The ministry described the current trend as “uncultured and provocative.” Even apartheid-style behaviour. If that doesn’t change? Measures will be activated.
Bilateral relations are already strained. And if South Africa isn’t careful, things could get much worse.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
