– PRETORIA, South Africa
The Nigerian Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two of its citizens in South Africa. The victims have been identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe. Both were killed on June 28, 2026.
Emeka Charles Iroegbu was reportedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, during what Nigerian authorities described as the use of brutal interrogation techniques. Musa Yunana Joe was allegedly shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by assailants who remain unidentified.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded that South African authorities conduct urgent and thorough investigations into both killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The ministry stated that the killings occurred amid a wave of xenophobic sentiment and anti-immigrant protests in the country.
These incidents have raised serious concerns for the safety of Nigerians and other foreign residents in South Africa. Nigerian authorities have urged their citizens in the country to remain calm, respect the law, and be vigilant while diplomatic efforts continue. South African authorities have not yet issued any detailed public statements regarding these specific cases. The Nigerian government is closely monitoring the situation.