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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, demanding swift investigations and justice for the victims while warning Pretoria that Nigeria may consider stronger measures if attacks on its citizens continue.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of violence against Nigerians amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

According to the ministry, one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on 28 June after being subjected to what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques.”

The ministry also recalled the death of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, who was allegedly killed by the same officers on 20 April.

It said although the identities of the four officers involved were known to the South African Police Service, no arrests had been made.

The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was reportedly shot dead in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on 28 June by unidentified gunmen.

The Federal Government said the incidents had heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.

It argued that Nigerians were unfairly being blamed for broader socio-economic problems confronting South Africa.

“These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa. This raises questions about deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals. It also raises further questions over the general safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.

“The continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane Metro Police, which raises the question of state responsibility under International Law.

“It is a fact that South Africa currently has one of the highest rates of crime globally, including the culture of looting and mob action. Nigerians are more civil in our engagements with foreign nationals, and we always uphold the rule of law when dealing with illegalities. It is therefore unfair to target foreigners and make them scapegoats of endemic socio-economic conditions that need to be addressed by the authorities”, the statement read.

The Nigerian government also criticised recent remarks attributed to a spokesperson for the South African government, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country during the ongoing xenophobic protests to reveal where illegal drugs were hidden.

The ministry described the comments as inflammatory.
It added that groups accused of promoting violence against foreign nationals would also be held accountable.

The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored  public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community.

“The gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability”, it added.

Nigeria called on the South African authorities to investigate the latest killings as well as other unresolved cases involving Nigerian citizens.

“The Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the two killings and several other pending cases of extra-judicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay.

“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law”, it stated.

The government extended its condolences to the families of the victims and advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant while diplomatic efforts continue.

“With the volatile security situation, we appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious, especially due to the ongoing xenophobic and afrophobic demonstrations in the country. They are advised to move to safer neighbourhoods and avoid areas that are prone to violent activities, while the Government continues to explore diplomatic solutions to address the growing scourge of Afrophobia in South Africa”, the Federal Government stated.

The ministry also stressed that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria and urged Pretoria to guarantee similar protection for Nigerians.

“The Government of Nigeria wishes to reiterate the fact that there are numerous South African nationals and businesses operating safely in Nigeria without harassment of any kind. Likewise, it is the responsibility of the South African Government to protect the lives and properties of all foreigners, including Nigerian nationals, living in the country.

“Therefore, the systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in South Africa is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed.

“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”,it stated.

Despite its strong stance, the Federal Government appealed to Nigerians at home to refrain from reprisals.

“The government calls on the general Nigerian public to remain calm and not take laws into their hands with retaliatory actions. We will continue to pursue dialogue and negotiations in the spirit of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity, which are the cornerstones of Nigeria’s foreign policy in resolving the unfortunate developments”, it pleaded.

The ministry added that the ongoing evacuation of Nigerians who had registered to leave South Africa will continue as planned.