Xenophobic: Nigeria Condemns Killing Of Two Citizens In South Africa, Threathens To Activate ‘All Options’

By Bukar BOLORI

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, accusing security operatives and criminal elements of targeting Nigerians amid rising xenophobic violence, and warning that it may be forced to activate “all options” if the attacks continue.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government demanded immediate investigations into the killings and the prosecution of those responsible, while expressing concern over what it described as an alarming pattern of extra-judicial killings and growing hostility towards Nigerians living in South Africa.

According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed on June 28 in Sunnyside, Pretoria, by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, who reportedly subjected him to what the government described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.”

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

It added that another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was also shot dead in front of his shop on June 28 in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The government said the incidents occurred against the backdrop of increasing attacks on foreigners in South Africa, raising serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

It alleged that some individuals were deliberately portraying hardworking Nigerians as criminals in order to justify attacks against them.

“The continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility under international law,” the statement said.

Nigeria also condemned recent comments reportedly made by a spokesperson of the South African Government, who allegedly asked Nigerians leaving South Africa because of ongoing xenophobic protests to disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.

The Ministry described the remarks as derogatory, unprofessional and capable of inciting hatred and violence against Nigerians.

It further criticised anti-immigrant groups, including March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing them of promoting violence and hate against fellow Africans and warning that their leaders could face regional and international criminal liability.

The Federal Government stressed that allegations of wrongdoing against any individual should be handled through lawful judicial processes rather than mob action or extra-judicial killings.

It called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the recent killings alongside other unresolved cases involving Nigerian victims and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.

The government expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities at the highest diplomatic level until justice is achieved.

It also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, obey the law, stay vigilant, relocate to safer neighbourhoods where necessary, and avoid areas experiencing violent demonstrations while diplomatic efforts continue.

The ministry noted that numerous South African citizens and businesses operate freely and safely in Nigeria without harassment, arguing that South Africa has a reciprocal obligation to guarantee the safety of Nigerians legally residing in the country.

It warned that the continued targeting of Nigerians was unacceptable and stated that if the situation persisted, “all options remain on the table,” adding that some measures could be activated should what it described as “intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners continue.

The government, however, appealed to Nigerians at home to remain peaceful and refrain from retaliatory actions, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity.

The Ministry also disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing.