RismadarVoice Reporters
September 14, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the reported killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and called for 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.
The victims were identified as Bishop Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo.
According to the ministry, Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, while Nwankwo was reportedly murdered the following day in Somerset, Cape Town.
The government expressed concern that the incidents occurred amid persistent concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners, particularly Africans, in South Africa.
It said the latest killings raised fresh questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country, as well as the commitment of South African authorities to preventing targeted attacks.
The ministry also expressed concern over allegations that some law enforcement personnel had used unacceptable interrogation methods against foreigners, with some cases reportedly resulting in deaths.
“Nigeria views these incidents with grave concern and condemns the killings of Bishop Fakunle and Mr Nwankwo in the strongest terms possible,” the statement said.
The Federal Government urged relevant South African authorities to immediately investigate the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Nigeria expects that this matter would be accorded the attention and urgency required,” the ministry added.
The government further raised concerns over the slow implementation of an agreement designed to enable Nigeria and South Africa to jointly respond to emerging threats.
According to the ministry, Nigeria had signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Early Warning Mechanism following bilateral discussions between both countries, but South Africa was yet to sign the agreement.
The ministry said Nigeria had previously brought recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa before the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
It added that the matter had also been formally presented to the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The Federal Government said it was considering additional diplomatic measures to secure greater cooperation from South African authorities in addressing the issue.
Meanwhile, the government extended its condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo and prayed for strength for their relatives, friends and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
