The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as shocking and calling for immediate, transparent investigations.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was murdered in his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on 4 September 2026, while Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwo died from what it described as gruesome interrogation methods used by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Somerset, Cape Town, on 5 September 2026.
The government said the killings occurred against the backdrop of ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa, raising fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other Africans in the country. It also criticised the conduct of law enforcement officers, saying interrogation practices have repeatedly resulted in the deaths of foreigners.
Nigeria called on South African authorities to launch thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The statement further noted that South Africa is yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Early Warning Mechanism, an agreement reached through dialogue between both countries and already signed by Nigeria. It added that Nigeria has raised the recurring attacks before ECOWAS and African Union leadership, and is considering further measures to press for cooperation from South Africa.
The government extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian community in South Africa.
