Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of two of its nationals in South Africa, calling for urgent investigations and justice while raising concerns over the safety of foreigners amid reports of rising xenophobic attacks….reports Africa Daily News Desk
The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and called on the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations, prosecute those responsible and ensure the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.
In a statement, the Federal Government of Nigeria said the latest incidents have heightened concerns over the security of Nigerians in South Africa and the treatment of foreign nationals amid reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic violence.
According to the statement, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28. The Nigerian government alleged that the officers used “gruesome interrogation techniques” and noted that the same officers had earlier been accused in the April 20 killing of another Nigerian national, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong.
Nigeria said no arrests had been made in Ekpenyong’s case despite the identities of the four officers allegedly involved being known to the South African Police Service.
The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe”, was shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28. The Nigerian government said the attackers had not yet been identified.
The statement said the two killings occurred at a time when foreigners were allegedly being increasingly targeted in South Africa, raising concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other migrant communities.
The Nigerian government also alleged that the continuing pattern of attacks suggested complicity by some security operatives and questioned whether South Africa could be held responsible under international law.
It further stated that information gathered by Nigerian diplomatic missions could provide grounds for criminal liability in relation to the incidents.
The statement also criticised recent public remarks by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly urged Nigerians leaving the country because of ongoing xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
Nigeria described the comments as “unacceptable” and alleged they amounted to derogatory and inflammatory rhetoric that could encourage hostility against members of the Nigerian community.
The government also referred to groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, alleging that they incite violence and hatred against other Africans and should be held accountable under regional and international law.
Calling for immediate action, Abuja urged the South African authorities to investigate not only the two recent killings but also several other pending cases involving Nigerian nationals.
“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,” the statement said.
Nigeria maintained that allegations or suspicions against any individual should be addressed through lawful judicial processes and that everyone should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The government expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and said it would continue engaging with South African authorities until justice is served.
It also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, obey local laws and exercise caution, particularly in light of what it described as ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic demonstrations. Citizens were advised to relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary and avoid areas prone to violence.
The statement noted that Nigeria would continue exploring diplomatic measures to address what it called the growing challenge of Afrophobia in South Africa.
At the same time, the government emphasised that numerous South African citizens and businesses continue to operate safely in Nigeria without harassment and said Pretoria had a responsibility to provide similar protection to all foreign nationals living in South Africa, including Nigerians.
Nigeria warned that if the situation continued, “all options remain on the table”, while stressing that it remained committed to dialogue, negotiation and African solidarity in resolving the issue.
The government also appealed to Nigerians not to resort to retaliatory actions, reiterating its commitment to pursuing peaceful diplomatic engagement with South Africa.
Meanwhile, it said the evacuation process for registered Nigerian nationals wishing to leave South Africa remains ongoing.
