By Babs Oyetoro
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to South Africa following the killing of two Nigerian nationals, declaring that it may invoke stronger diplomatic measures if attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals continue unabated.
The warning was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who condemned the latest killings and expressed grave concern over what the government described as an escalating wave of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
According to the ministry, the incidents have heightened fears over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa, particularly against the backdrop of recent anti-migrant protests and the ongoing voluntary evacuation of Nigerian citizens from the country.
“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 these will be activated if this uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners is not decisively addressed,” the ministry warned.
The Federal Government disclosed that one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, allegedly died after being subjected to what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026.
It added that another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was shot dead in front of his business premises in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on the same day.
The ministry also drew attention to the unresolved killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, who was allegedly shot by the same police officers on April 20, 2026, lamenting that no arrests had been made despite the identities of the four officers allegedly involved being known to the South African Police Service.
The government said the repeated involvement of the Tshwane Metro Police in such incidents raised serious concerns about accountability and South Africa’s obligation under international law to protect the lives and property of foreign nationals.
Nigeria also criticised remarks reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson challenging Nigerians leaving the country to disclose the locations of illegal drugs before departing, describing the comments as inflammatory and irresponsible.
“Such remarks are derogatory, unprofessional and capable of inciting hostility and violence against Nigerians,” the statement said.
The Federal Government further condemned the activities of anti-immigrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing their leaders of promoting xenophobia, hate speech and violence against fellow Africans.
While reaffirming its commitment to resolving the crisis through diplomatic engagement, the government insisted that justice must be served.
“South African authorities must thoroughly investigate these killings and ensure that all those responsible are brought before the law rather than resorting to extrajudicial actions,” the ministry stated.
The government noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria, stressing that Pretoria has a reciprocal responsibility to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians lawfully residing within its borders.
It extended condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged to sustain high-level diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities until justice is secured for the victims.
The ministry also advised Nigerians resident in South Africa to remain law-abiding, stay vigilant, avoid areas witnessing violent demonstrations and relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary.
At the same time, it appealed to Nigerians at home to refrain from reprisals against South African businesses or nationals, maintaining that diplomacy remains Nigeria’s preferred path to resolving the growing crisis.
