The Nigerian government has issued a strongly worded warning to South African authorities, signaling that it may escalate diplomatic measures in response to what it describes as a persistent and unchecked wave of attacks against Nigerian nationals living in the country.
In a statement released Sunday through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja accused South African police and government officials of complicity in the violence, alleging that security forces have turned a blind eye to the killings. The statement, signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, made clear that the targeting of Nigerians legally residing in South Africa would no longer be tolerated.
Recent Killings Spark Outrage
The warning follows two violent incidents that occurred on June 28. Emeka Charles Iroegbu died after he was allegedly tortured during interrogation by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria. On the same day, Musa Yunana Joe was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The government also referenced the killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong on April 20, noting that no arrests have been made in that case. The lack of progress in investigations has deepened frustration in Abuja.
According to the statement, the continuing pattern of such incidents is evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, particularly officers of the Tshwane Metro Police. The government raised the question of state responsibility under international law, arguing that South Africa has a duty to protect the lives and property of all legal residents.
Accusations of Hate Speech and Dereliction of Duty
Beyond the violence itself, the Nigerian government took issue with remarks attributed to a South African government spokesperson. That official reportedly suggested that Nigerians leaving the country due to xenophobic unrest should disclose where illegal drugs were hidden. Abuja condemned the statement as derogatory, unprofessional, and uncensored, arguing that such language from highly placed officials constitutes hate speech that incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community.
The statement also singled out groups including March on March and Operation Dudula, accusing them of promoting hostility against fellow Africans. The government warned that those inciting violence could face regional and international criminal liability.
Diplomatic Channels and Ongoing Evacuation
While threatening stronger measures, the Nigerian government indicated that diplomatic channels are being explored to address the situation. It stressed that criminal allegations must be handled through lawful judicial processes, not extra-judicial actions, and insisted on justice in all pending cases involving Nigerians.
The government noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate in Nigeria without harassment, and it urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions against South African nationals or businesses.
As part of continued efforts to ensure safety, the government confirmed that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing. It also urged those still in the country to remain vigilant, obey local laws, avoid flashpoints, and relocate to safer areas where necessary.
Broader Context
The statement highlighted that South Africa has one of the highest crime rates globally and argued that foreigners should not be made scapegoats for the country’s socio-economic challenges. The government expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to African unity while insisting that the repeated targeting of Nigerians legally residing in South Africa remains unacceptable.
Source: “Stronger Measures” Coming: FG Blasts South Africa Over Continued Attacks on Nigerians