Nigeria says two nationals killed in South Africa amid rise of anti-migrant attacks

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Nigeria says two nationals killed in South Africa amid rise of anti-migrant attacksImage source, EPAImage caption, Anti-migrant sentiment has been rising in South AfricaPublished22 minutes agoByMakuochi OkaforBBC Africa, Reporting fromLagosNigeria says two of its citizens have been killed in South Africa "at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted" there. A statement from the foreign ministry said Emeka Charles Iroegbu was "reportedly killed" on 28 June by police officers "using gruesome interrogation techniques", while unidentified assailants had killed shop owner Musa Yunana Joe on the same day. The authorities in South Africa's capital, Pretoria, are yet to comment.

Nigeria's foreign ministry said the incidents came amid a rise in anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, which has led to roughly 25,000 citizens from other African countries being repatriated by their nations, including some 700 Nigerians. Protesters in South Africa have urged the government to do more to curb illegal migration. They say foreigners are taking jobs and unfairly benefiting from public services.

The Details

'They came with machetes' - deadline looms for migrants to leave South Africa Published17 June'We have to prioritise South Africans': Anti-migrant movement blocks foreigners from healthcare Published18 October 2025In its statement, Nigeria's foreign ministry said Iroegbu was reportedly killed in Pretoria by officers from the Tshwane Metro police department. Joe, killed on 28 June, was attacked outside his shop in the city of eMalahleni, the ministry said. Abuja said it was placing the South African government "on notice" and that "all options remain on the table...

if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed". Nigeria has said it will seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who have left the country, adding that Abuja had begun documenting businesses and properties left behind by Nigerians. However, at a media briefing on Friday, South African cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said her government would not pay compensation and that Nigerians can sell registered properties they left behind on the South African market.

She also said: "We would be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are, so they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently. "Nigeria's foreign ministry strongly condemned this comment in their statement on Sunday, calling it "unacceptable". "Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech," the ministry said.

Image source, via Getty ImagesImage caption, Police said protests across the country on Tuesday were peacefulSome anti-migrant groups in South Africa had given undocumented foreigners a deadline of 30 June to leave the country.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.