Nigeria has strongly condemned the deaths of two of its citizens in South Africa, saying the incidents occurred during a period of increasing hostility towards foreign nationals in the country.
In a statement issued by Nigeria’s foreign ministry, authorities said Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed on 28 June in Pretoria by officers from the Tshwane Metro Police Department who reportedly used “gruesome interrogation techniques”. The ministry also said another Nigerian, businessman Musa Yunana Joe, was fatally attacked by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in the city of eMalahleni on the same day.
South African authorities have disputed claims surrounding Iroegbu’s death. Police said he had been arrested on allegations of drug possession and collapsed while officers were attempting to handcuff him. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, where he was later pronounced dead.
The country’s independent police watchdog confirmed that the case had been reported and that an investigation is underway. South African police also rejected suggestions that Iroegbu’s death was linked to ongoing anti-migrant protests, describing such allegations as misleading and unfounded.
Nigeria, however, argued that the deaths occurred against the backdrop of growing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa. The ministry noted that approximately 25,000 foreign nationals from other African countries have been repatriated in recent weeks, including around 700 Nigerians.
Anti-migrant demonstrations have intensified across South Africa, with protesters accusing undocumented migrants of taking jobs and placing pressure on public services. Some groups have called on the government to tighten immigration controls and deport illegal migrants.
The Nigerian government said it was placing South Africa “on notice” and warned that all diplomatic options remained available if what it described as “intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners continued.
In the case of Musa Yunana Joe, South African police confirmed that he was shot by an armed suspect who fled the scene. Investigators said the motive behind the killing remains unclear and inquiries are continuing.
Nigeria has also demanded compensation for its citizens who have left South Africa and said it has begun documenting businesses and properties abandoned by Nigerians during the recent unrest.
The diplomatic row deepened after South African cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said her government would not compensate Nigerians and suggested authorities would like information on alleged drug operations linked to Nigerians in the country.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry condemned the remarks, describing them as unacceptable and accusing the minister of making derogatory and generalized statements that amounted to hate speech.
Abuja also accused anti-migrant groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula of fuelling hostility and violence against other Africans. It warned that those responsible could face regional and international legal consequences.
Several anti-migrant groups had set a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa, prompting countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to repatriate some of their citizens ahead of the date.
South Africa continues to struggle with one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, exceeding 30%, a factor that has contributed to growing resentment toward migrants despite the country remaining a major destination for people seeking economic opportunities from across the continent.
