The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the reported killings of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and called on the country’s authorities to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into the incidents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was reportedly killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, 2026.
Another Nigerian, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, reportedly died in Sommerset, Cape Town, the following day, with Nigerian authorities alleging that he was subjected to abusive interrogation by officers of the South African Police Service.
Nigeria expressed concern that the deaths occurred amid longstanding reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting foreigners, particularly other Africans, in South Africa. The government said the alleged involvement of law enforcement personnel in Nwankwo’s death was especially troubling, stressing that security agencies are expected to protect lives and property.
The Federal Government urged the relevant South African authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also said Nigeria expects the investigations to be handled with the urgency and seriousness the cases require.
The ministry further recalled Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic efforts with South Africa to address xenophobia and Afrophobia. It noted that an Early Warning Mechanism agreed upon by both countries to help address emerging threats has been signed by Nigeria but is yet to be signed by South Africa.
Nigeria said it has previously raised concerns over recurring attacks against foreigners through regional and continental platforms, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
The government added that it is considering further diplomatic measures to secure greater cooperation from South African authorities in addressing the latest cases….