The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and is demanding an urgent investigation into the incidents.
In a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the government was deeply concerned over the deaths.
According to the statement, Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what was described as a brutal interrogation. Another Nigerian, Nnemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpenyong, was reportedly killed by the same officers on April 20, 2026. The government noted that no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers being known.
Nigeria has called on the South African authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the two cases and other reported extrajudicial killings involving Nigerian nationals.
The government also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to continue engaging South African authorities until justice is served. It stressed that South African citizens and businesses operate freely in Nigeria and urged South Africa to guarantee the safety and protection of all foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
The Federal Government appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation, assuring that it will continue to pursue justice through dialogue in line with the principles of African unity and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the evacuation of registered Nigerians from affected areas continues.
