Fani-Kayode Raises Alarm Over Fresh Killings of Two Nigerians in South Africa

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has raised the alarm over the reported killing of two Nigerians in South Africa within two days.

Fani-Kayode identified the victims as Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo. He said Fakunle was killed in Johannesburg on September 4 after receiving a series of threats.

He added that Nwankwo died the following day in an incident involving officers of the South African Police Service, SAPS.

The former Minister of Aviation described the deaths as another troubling chapter in the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

He said the latest incidents brought the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in the country this year to eight. According to him, four of those deaths involved South African police officers.

Fani-Kayode further claimed that more than 100 Nigerians had lost their lives in South Africa between 2022 and 2026.

He alleged that over 30 of those deaths involved either SAPS or South African Defence Force personnel.

The High Commissioner criticised the lack of prosecutions over the killings, saying repeated expressions of concern had produced little result.

“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for ANY of these heinous crimes. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Fani-Kayode called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and ensure that those behind the killings face justice.

He said Nigerians should not become targets simply because of their nationality.

“No-one deserves to be targetted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he said.

His concerns also extended to a September 30 deadline reportedly issued by some South African organisations calling on African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave the country.

Fani-Kayode condemned the reported demand and described the campaign against African nationals as racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic.

He warned that continued attacks and discrimination could further strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

“Simply put our patience is wearing thin,” he warned.

He also pointed to the presence of South African nationals and businesses in Nigeria, arguing that South Africa should offer Nigerians the same protection enjoyed by its citizens in Nigeria.

The latest concerns come amid renewed tension over attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.

The Nigerian Community in South Africa has separately demanded a thorough investigation into Fakunle’s killing.

Nigeria’s National Assembly also recently suspended official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities over reported xenophobic attacks.

Fani-Kayode expressed condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo and called for justice over their deaths.