FG condemns killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, demands probe

The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and called for thorough, transparent and speedy investigations into the deaths.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was killed at his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, 2026, while James Uchechukwu Nwankwo died in Somerset, Cape Town, on September 5.

In a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the government said it received the reports with “profound shock” and expressed particular concern over the circumstances surrounding Nwankwo’s death.

The ministry said Nwankwo died after what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by officers of the South African Police Service.

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“These killings, happening at a time when foreigners, particularly Africans, are grappling with the devastating impacts of widespread xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, raise questions about the safety of foreigners in the country,” the statement said.

The Nigerian government also raised concerns that security officers responsible for protecting lives and property could be making the situation worse through interrogation methods that have allegedly led to the deaths of foreigners.

“Nigeria views these incidents with grave concern and condemns the killings of Bishop Fakunle and Mr Nwankwo in the strongest terms possible,” the ministry said.

It urged the relevant South African authorities to immediately investigate both deaths, identify those responsible and prosecute them according to the law.

“Nigeria expects that this matter would be accorded the attention and urgency required,” it said.

The ministry said Nigeria had repeatedly raised concerns about xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa at the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.

It also said an agreement on an Early Warning Mechanism, reached through discussions between Nigeria and South Africa, had been signed by Nigeria but was still awaiting South Africa’s signature.

“Following our constructive dialogue and has since been duly signed by Nigeria, is yet to be signed by South Africa,” the ministry said.

The Federal Government added that it was considering further measures to secure the cooperation of the South African authorities in tackling repeated attacks against Nigerians and other Africans.