The Federal Government has warned that it may adopt additional measures if attacks on Nigerian citizens in South Africa continue, following the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents.
In statements issued on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg and the Nigerian Union South Africa condemned the killings and called for immediate, transparent and thorough investigations.
The victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, were both killed on June 28.
According to the ministry, Iroegbu allegedly died after being tortured by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Joe was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The Nigerian government described the incidents as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks against its citizens in South Africa and warned that all options remained under consideration if the situation was not addressed.
“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed,” the ministry said.
The government also referenced the unresolved killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, who was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers on April 20.
According to the ministry, no arrests have been made despite the identities of the officers allegedly being known to the South African Police Service.
The government expressed concern over what it described as growing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa and cautioned against attempts to stereotype Nigerians as criminals.
It also criticized comments reportedly made by a South African government spokesperson suggesting that Nigerians leaving the country because of xenophobic protests should disclose where illegal drugs were hidden.
The ministry described the remarks as inflammatory, unprofessional and capable of inciting violence against Nigerians.
Nigeria called on South African authorities to investigate the latest killings and other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
While expressing condolences to the families of the victims, the government said it would continue diplomatic engagement with South African authorities until justice is served.
The ministry advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, avoid areas prone to violence and relocate to safer locations where necessary.
It also urged Nigerians not to engage in retaliatory actions, saying the government would continue to pursue dialogue in line with the principles of African unity and solidarity.
The ministry added that the evacuation process for registered Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa remains ongoing.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg reiterated its call for a thorough investigation into the killings, while the Nigerian Union South Africa also demanded that those responsible be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The union urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain alert, exercise caution in their daily activities and report any suspicious incidents to local law enforcement authorities.
