The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, calling for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible while warning that the continued targeting of Nigerians and other foreign nationals is unacceptable.
In a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government identified the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe.
According to the statement, Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police Department in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, while Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on the same day.
The ministry also recalled the alleged extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April, noting that no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers allegedly involved being known to the South African Police Service.
The Federal Government said the incidents occurred amid renewed xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians residing in the country.
It described the repeated killings as part of a disturbing pattern and expressed concern over what it alleged was the complicity of some security personnel, particularly members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department.
The government also criticised comments reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson linking Nigerians leaving the country to illegal drugs, describing the remarks as “unacceptable” and warning that such statements could fuel hostility and violence against Nigerians.
It urged the South African authorities to carry out thorough investigations into the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, insisting that anyone accused of any offence should be subjected to due process and a fair trial.
The ministry appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious, while advising them to avoid violence-prone areas as diplomatic efforts continue. It added that the evacuation of registered Nigerians willing to return home is ongoing.
The Federal Government reiterated that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria, stressing that the South African Government has a corresponding obligation under international law to protect the lives and property of all foreign nationals within its territory.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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