Nigeria's government has condemned the deaths of two of its citizens in South Africa and accused South African police officers of involvement in at least one of the killings.
The Federal Government warned it may take regional and international action if violence against Nigerians continues in the country.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued the statement on Sunday, calling the incidents "deeply disturbing" and demanding immediate investigations.
Emeka Charles Iroegbu died on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, the ministry said. Officers from the Tshwane Metro Police killed him using what the government described as "gruesome interrogation techniques."
Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, was shot dead by the same police unit on April 20, 2026. No arrests followed despite authorities knowing the identities of the four officers involved, the ministry noted.
Musa Yunana Joe, known as "Big Joe," was shot dead by unknown gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28. His death marked the second killing on the same day.
The killings reflect rising xenophobic violence in South Africa, Nigeria's government said. It expressed alarm that Nigerians and other foreigners increasingly face attacks.
The government questioned why certain groups portrayed hardworking, law-abiding Nigerians as criminals. It stressed that the safety of its citizens in South Africa had become a serious concern.
The pattern of violence, especially involving the Tshwane Metro Police, suggests possible complicity by security forces, the ministry alleged. This raises questions about state responsibility under international law, it added.
Nigerian diplomatic missions have compiled records showing grounds for criminal liability, the government maintained. South Africa's high crime rate and mob violence cannot justify targeting foreigners, it stressed.
Nigeria also attacked comments from a South African government spokesperson who challenged Nigerians leaving over xenophobic protests to reveal where illegal drugs were hidden. The ministry called such remarks irresponsible and capable of sparking hatred against Nigerians.
The government condemned groups like March on March and Operation Dudula for promoting violence against fellow Africans. Those inciting attacks on foreigners face potential regional and international criminal liability, it warned.
Nigeria demanded that South African authorities urgently complete investigations into the two recent deaths and resolve several unresolved cases involving Nigerian victims. All perpetrators must face justice, it insisted.
The government stressed that due process and the rule of law must guide any proceedings, emphasizing that suspects deserve the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
