Nigeria has issued a strong warning to South Africa, saying it may activate unspecified diplomatic measures if continued killings and attacks on Nigerian nationals are not urgently addressed, following the deaths of two Nigerians amid renewed xenophobic tensions.
In a statement on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government condemned what it described as a disturbing pattern of extra-judicial killings, hate speech and rising Afrophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
It said Nigeria remained committed to diplomatic engagement but warned that its patience should not be mistaken for weakness, insisting that South African authorities must act decisively to stop the violence and prosecute those responsible.
The statement followed the killing of two Nigerians on June 28, including Emeka Iroegbu, who was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Pretoria during interrogation, according to the ministry.
The government also alleged that the same officers had earlier been linked to another extra-judicial killing in April, while noting that no arrests had been made despite their identities being known to authorities.
In another incident, Musa Yunana Joe, also known as “Big Joe,” was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Mpumalanga, further heightening concerns over migrant safety.
Nigeria also criticised recent remarks by a South African government spokesperson regarding Nigerians and alleged drug-related activities, describing the comments as inflammatory and capable of inciting hatred.
The Federal Government urged South African authorities to ensure thorough investigations into all cases, stressing that justice must be served through due process rather than mob action or unlawful killings.
It also warned against hate campaigns by anti-immigrant groups, calling for an end to violence against foreign nationals.
While assuring Nigerians in South Africa of continued diplomatic efforts and evacuation support where necessary, the government urged restraint and warned against reprisal attacks.
Relations between both countries have been repeatedly strained over xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has affected Nigerian and other African migrants in previous outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019.
