FG Condemns Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa, Demands Urgent Probe

The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and demanded a thorough, transparent and speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the demand in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, in Abuja at the weekend.

The statement followed reports of the deaths of Bishop Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in separate incidents in South Africa.

According to the ministry, Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, while Nwankwo was murdered the following day in Somerset, Cape Town.

The Federal Government expressed concern that the deaths occurred amid what it described as persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting foreigners, particularly Africans, in South Africa.

The ministry said the latest incidents raised serious questions about the safety of foreigners and the commitment of South African authorities to preventing attacks against them.

“It is extremely worrisome that law enforcement agents, saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and property, are exacerbating an already fragile situation by resorting to unacceptable interrogation techniques that have frequently led to the deaths of foreigners,” the statement said.

Nigeria therefore called on the relevant South African authorities to immediately investigate the two deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

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

The government said it expected the matter to receive the urgency and attention required, stressing that Nigeria remained committed to resolving diplomatic concerns with South Africa through constructive engagement.

The ministry also raised concern over the delayed implementation of an early-warning mechanism designed to enable both countries to respond more effectively to emerging threats against their citizens.

According to the government, Nigeria has already signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of an Early Warning Mechanism arising from bilateral discussions between both countries, but South Africa is yet to sign the agreement.

The ministry further recalled that Nigeria had formally raised recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa before the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

It added that Nigeria’s complaint had also been presented to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

“As a follow-up to these diplomatic steps, the Government of Nigeria is actively considering other concrete measures to secure the cooperation of the South African authorities on this matter,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government extended its condolences to the families of the two deceased Nigerians and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.

It also expressed solidarity with their relatives, friends and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa, urging them to remain strong as they mourn their loss.