FG Demands Justice Over Killings Of Two Nigerians in South Africa

The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and demanded thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was murdered at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, 2026, while James Uchechukwu Nwankwo was killed 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.

According to the ministry, Nwankwo died following what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly employed 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 government also expressed concern that law enforcement personnel charged with protecting lives and property could be worsening an already fragile situation through interrogation methods that have allegedly resulted in 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 called on the relevant South African authorities to immediately commence investigations into the two deaths and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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

The government further disclosed that Nigeria had consistently raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa before the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.

It said a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Early Warning Mechanism, which emerged from bilateral engagements between Nigeria and South Africa and had already been signed by Nigeria, 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 now considering additional concrete measures to secure the cooperation of South African authorities in addressing the recurring attacks against Nigerians and other Africans.

The latest government reaction follows widespread condemnation of the deaths, including a statement by former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, who alleged that Fakunle had received threats before being shot dead at his home.

Fani-Kayode also alleged that the two deaths brought to eight the number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa this year, with four allegedly killed by South African security personnel.

He called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and bring perpetrators of attacks against them to justice, warning that Nigeria’s “patience is wearing thin”.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry extended 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.