Nigeria Demands Action From South Africa After Two Nigerians Are Killed
Nigeria has expressed concern over the recent deaths of two of its citizens in South Africa, amid renewed tensions over the safety of Nigerians and other African migrants in the country.
The victims, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, died in separate incidents in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Fakunle was reportedly shot dead at his home in Johannesburg on September 4 after allegedly receiving threats. No suspect or motive has been publicly established in connection with his death.
Nwankwo reportedly died on September 5 following what Nigerian officials described as alleged “gruesome interrogation techniques” by members of the South African Police Service.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the deaths and called for investigations, as concerns grow over recurring violence and alleged mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
The Nigerian Union in South Africa also described the killings as “senseless” and “unacceptable”, demanding thorough investigations and justice for the victims.
The latest incidents have further strained relations between the two countries. Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities.
According to Nigerian officials, at least 98 Nigerians have died in mob, hate-related and extrajudicial attacks in South Africa since 2022, underscoring the scale of the diplomatic and security concerns.
The killings come as South Africa faces renewed anti-migrant tensions, with foreign nationals increasingly caught up in protests and violence linked to grievances over unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
