The Federal Government has condemned the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa, calling for thorough, transparent and swift investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was killed at his residence 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”, expressing 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.
“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 Federal Government further warned that law enforcement agencies responsible for protecting lives and property could be worsening the situation 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 appropriate South African authorities to immediately investigate both deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is identified and prosecuted in line with 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 recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa before the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.
It added that a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Early Warning Mechanism, developed through bilateral engagements between Nigeria and South Africa, had been signed by Nigeria but was yet to be signed by South Africa.
“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 said it was considering further concrete measures to obtain the cooperation of South African authorities in tackling recurring attacks against Nigerians and other Africans.
The latest reaction followed widespread condemnation of the deaths, including comments by former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, who alleged that Fakunle had received threats before he was shot dead at his residence.
Fani-Kayode also alleged that the deaths of the two Nigerians brought to eight the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa this year, with four of them allegedly murdered by South African security personnel.
He urged the South African government to protect Nigerians and ensure that those behind attacks against them are brought to justice, warning that Nigeria’s “patience is wearing thin”.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry also expressed condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo, as well as the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
“The Government also prays that their families, friends, and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa will find the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss of Bishop Fakunle and Mr Nwankwo at this difficult moment of grief,” it said.
