The Federal Government has sharply condemned the killing of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa, accusing elements within the country’s security architecture of failing to protect foreign nationals and demanding immediate investigations into a “disturbing pattern of extra-judicial killings” targeting Nigerians.
The strong diplomatic protest, contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came barely days after Nigeria began evacuating hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following renewed anti-immigration protests that have heightened fears over the safety of foreigners in the country.
The ministry said the latest killings have intensified concerns about the security of Nigerians residing in South Africa and raised fresh questions over the country’s commitment to protecting foreign nationals within its borders.
READ RELATED NEWS UPDATES:
FG demands probe, accountability from South Africa over Killings, xenophobic protests
Xenophobic : Nigerians evacuated from South Africa Arrive in Lagos
Nigeria begins evacuation screening in South Africa 39 days after killing of two nationals
According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28 in Sunnyside, Pretoria, after reportedly being subjected to “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
The government also disclosed that the same officers had earlier been linked to the alleged extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20.
It noted that while the identities of the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service, no arrests have been made, a development Nigeria said raises serious concerns about accountability.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, also on June 28, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The ministry said the two incidents occurred against the backdrop of increasing hostility towards foreign nationals in South Africa and warned against attempts to portray Nigerians collectively as criminals because of the actions of a few individuals.
It further condemned recent comments attributed to a spokesperson of the South African Government, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic unrest to disclose where they hid illegal drugs.
According to the ministry, such remarks amount to irresponsible public communication capable of encouraging hatred, violence, and discrimination against Nigerians.
The government also criticised activities of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula; it accused them of promoting violence and hostility against fellow Africans.
It maintained that those inciting attacks against foreign nationals could be held accountable under regional and international law.
Nigeria therefore called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the two killings alongside other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted without delay.
The ministry emphasised that regardless of allegations against any individual, criminal accusations should be determined through lawful judicial processes rather than mob justice or extra-judicial actions.
The latest diplomatic protest followed Nigeria’s ongoing evacuation of citizens affected by anti-immigration demonstrations across parts of South Africa. The Federal Government had earlier disclosed that hundreds of Nigerians had already returned home, while additional evacuation flights were being arranged for those who voluntarily registered to leave.
Despite the tension, the ministry reiterated that thousands of South Africans continue to live and conduct business freely in Nigeria without harassment, maintaining that the same level of protection should be guaranteed to Nigerians lawfully residing in South Africa.
While assuring the families of the deceased that diplomatic engagements with Pretoria would continue until justice is secured, the government advised Nigerians still in South Africa to remain calm, obey local laws, relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary, and avoid areas prone to violent protests.
It also warned that although dialogue remains Nigeria’s preferred option, “all options remain on the table” should the persistent attacks and “apartheid-style intolerance against Nigerians” continue unabated.
For More Details, Visit New Daily Prime News
