The Federal Government has condemned the recent killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa and called for thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians following the deaths. One victim, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026. Another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, was shot dead in Witbank on the same day.
The ministry also recalled the April 20, 2026, killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, noting that no arrests had been made despite known officer identities. It criticised a reported statement by a South African official linking Nigerians to drugs and urged authorities to address hate speech.
The government pledged continued diplomatic engagement with South Africa while advising Nigerians there to remain calm and avoid violence-prone areas. It warned of further measures if attacks persist but stressed the need for lawful processes in all cases.
