Here’s a polished and concise news rewrite:
The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, in South Africa, calling for an immediate investigation and the prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, warning that the continued violence could undermine bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to the ministry, 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 statement further alleged that the same officers were responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026. It noted that although the identities of the four officers involved were reportedly known to the South African Police Service, no arrests had been made.
The ministry also disclosed that 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, 2026, by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
Describing the incidents as part of a wider wave of xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, the Federal Government urged South African authorities to carry out thorough investigations into the killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals.
“The Government of Nigeria 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 are brought to justice without further delay,” the statement said.
It stressed that regardless of any allegations or suspicions against individuals, due process must be followed and every suspect should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The government also condemned remarks reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson during a televised broadcast, in which Nigerians leaving the country amid xenophobic protests were asked to reveal where they had hidden illegal drugs.
According to the ministry, such comments were inflammatory, unprofessional and amounted to hate speech capable of inciting hostility and violence against Nigerians living in South Africa.
It further criticised groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing their leaders of promoting hatred and violence against fellow Africans, and warned that they could be held accountable under regional and international law.
The Federal Government advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, obey local laws, stay security-conscious and relocate from high-risk areas where necessary while diplomatic efforts continue.
It also urged Nigerians at home to refrain from retaliatory actions, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue in line with the principles of African unity and solidarity.
The ministry disclosed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa was ongoing.
Reiterating South Africa’s obligations under international law, the government said the country must protect the lives and property of all foreign nationals residing within its borders, including Nigerians.
It noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria and insisted that the systematic targeting of Nigerians legally residing in South Africa was unacceptable.
The statement warned that if the attacks persist,the Nigerian government would consider further measures stressing that “all options remain on the table” if what it described as an “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners is not addressed.
