Two More Nigerians Killed in South Africa Amid Deadly Anti-Migrant Violence

The Federal Government has confirmed the killing of two more Nigerian nationals in South Africa, as a wave of violent anti-immigrant protests continues to sweep across the country . The deaths occurred on June 28, 2026, and have sharply escalated diplomatic tensions between the two nations .

The victims have been identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe” . The circumstances of their deaths underscore the dual threats facing foreigners in the country.

In a statement, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iroegbu was allegedly killed in Sunnyside, Pretoria, by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police who used “gruesome interrogation techniques” . The ministry further alleged that the same officers were responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, in April, a case where no arrests have been made .

The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, was reportedly shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, by yet-to-be-identified criminals . The killings come amid heightened anti-immigrant sentiment, with groups like March and March and Operation Dudula leading nationwide protests and demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals .

The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the killings and the generalised targeting of Nigerians. In a strongly worded statement, Abuja warned that “all options remain on the table” if the situation persists, referencing the “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” against foreigners . The government also took issue with a public statement by a South African official asking Nigerians to disclose their “drug dens,” calling it “unacceptable” hate speech .

The violence has forced a mass exodus, with over 25,000 people from various African nations being repatriated, including over 850 Nigerians, as of the beginning of July . While the Nigerian government has evacuated hundreds of its citizens, some Nigerians have resorted to self-defence, with videos showing groups arming themselves . South African authorities report that hundreds of people have been arrested for looting and violence during the protests .

Nigeria has also said it will seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who have been forced to leave and has begun documenting the businesses and properties they left behind .