“All options remain on the table” if attacks persist — Ministry of Foreign Affairs
By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and warned that it may consider additional measures if attacks on Nigerians persist. The VictimsThe victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, were both killed on June 28, 2026.
Iroegbu was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria. Joe was reportedly shot dead by unidentified criminals outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed outrage and demanded prompt, transparent and exhaustive investigations.
“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 which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed,” the statement read.
The ministry accused some South African security operatives, particularly Tshwane Metro Police officers, of complicity. It noted the same officers were allegedly involved in the extrajudicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026.
“His case is still pending; no arrests have been made, even though the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service,” the statement added.
The FG said the killings come amid rising xenophobic tensions and increasing attacks on foreigners in South Africa. It also condemned remarks allegedly made by a South African government spokesperson challenging Nigerians to reveal where illegal drugs were hidden, describing them as “derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored” and “hate speech that influences and incites criminal actions.”
“This raises questions about a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the ministry stated.
Calls to Action
Demands: Urgent investigations into the two killings and other pending cases Arrest and prosecution of perpetrators without delay and advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant. It also asked them to relocate to safer areas and avoid locations prone to violence Do not engage in retaliatory actions.
The government added that evacuation for registered Nigerians willing to leave South Africa remains ongoing and pledged to keep engaging South African authorities at the highest levels until justice is achieved.
The Nigerian Consul General in Johannesburg, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, and the Nigerian Union South Africa echoed the call for investigations.
“We continue to call on the South African authorities to investigate the cases and bring the perpetrators of the gruesome acts to justice without further delay,” the Consulate stated.
NUSA spokesperson, Akindele Olunloyo, said the union is working with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg to monitor the situation.
