The Federal Government has asked South Africa to urgently investigate the killing of two Nigerians and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The government also expressed deep concern over a growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa, warning that continued violence could strain bilateral relations.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the victims are identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe.

The ministry said Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what it described as a “gruesome interrogation.”

The same officers were also allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026, noting that no arrests had been made despite the identities of the four officers allegedly being known to the South African Police Service.

“The second victim, Mr. Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was killed in front of his shop on 28th June, 2026, in Witbank, Mpumalanga. Of great concern is that the killing was committed by yet-to-be-identified criminals,” the statement read.

According to the ministry, the incidents occurred amid ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, raising concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.

The statement read in part: “The Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the two killings and several other pending cases of extra-judicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay.

“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law,” the statement added.

Nigeria also condemned what it called as a recent televised statement by a South African government spokesperson asking Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests to disclose where they hid illegal drugs.

“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community.

“The gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability,” the ministry stated.

The Federal Government appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious, urging them to relocate to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas prone to violence while diplomatic efforts continue.