Government demands justice for victims, says ‘all options remain on the table’ if attacks on Nigerians continue.
The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa amid renewed anti-foreigner protests, warning that it may take further action if attacks targeting Nigerians continue.
In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the victims as Emeka Charles Iroegbu, who was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers in Pretoria, and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, who was reportedly shot dead outside his shop in Mpumalanga on June 28.
The government also linked the officers accused in Iroegbu’s death to the unresolved killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April, expressing concern that no arrests have been made despite the suspects being known to South African authorities.
Nigeria described the growing attacks on foreigners as unacceptable, condemned inflammatory remarks by a South African government spokesperson, and urged authorities to investigate the killings and prosecute those responsible.
While advising Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, security-conscious and avoid violence-prone areas, the Federal Government assured that diplomatic efforts and the evacuation of affected citizens are ongoing. It also stressed that South African nationals continue to live and do business peacefully in Nigeria, insisting that South Africa has a duty to guarantee the safety of Nigerians legally residing in the country.