Fani-Kayode Condemns Fresh Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa

Fani-Kayode Condemns Fresh Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa

Former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the reported killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, warning that continued attacks and discrimination against Nigerian nationals could further strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Fani-Kayode, in a post on his official X account on Friday, identified the victims as Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who died in separate incidents in South Africa earlier this month.

Fakunle was reportedly killed at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4 after allegedly receiving threats, while Nwankwo died the following day in an incident involving officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Fani-Kayode said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by Fakunle’s death, alleging that unidentified attackers went to the bishop’s residence and shot him after threats had reportedly been made against him.

He also expressed concern over Nwankwo’s death, alleging that the Nigerian was subjected to what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by South African police officers.

The circumstances surrounding both deaths remain subject to investigation. Nigerian authorities have confirmed the deaths and raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.

Fani-Kayode claimed that the deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo brought the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to eight, with four of the cases allegedly involving South African police officers.

He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerian nationals had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and 2026, including more than 30 allegedly killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.

The figures cited by Fani-Kayode are claims attributed to him and have not been independently verified in their entirety.

However, the Nigerian government has separately raised concerns over the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa. In July, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye said 98 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022 in mob attacks, hate-related violence and extrajudicial killings.

Fani-Kayode said the lack of arrests and prosecutions in cases involving Nigerians was particularly disturbing, given repeated concerns raised by the Nigerian Mission.

He called on the South African Government to strengthen the protection of Nigerians and ensure that anyone responsible for attacks against them is investigated and brought to justice.

READ ALSO:

• FG Targets 2 Million Creative Jobs by 2030
• Donnarumma: Two Jailed Over Violent Paris Burglary of Man City Goalkeeper, Wife
• Police Clarify IGP Disu’s Position on Recording Officers
• Abia Police Arrest Father, Three Others Over Alleged Attempt to Sell 16-Month-Old Daughter

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

The envoy also raised concern over a fresh September 30 deadline reportedly issued by the South African anti-immigration movement March and March, which has demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.

The development has heightened anxiety among Nigerian and other African migrant communities as South Africa continues to grapple with tensions surrounding immigration, unemployment and access to public services.

Fani-Kayode accused groups behind the ultimatum of using xenophobic and Afrophobic rhetoric and urged the South African authorities to prevent threats against foreign nationals from escalating into violence.

He called on Pretoria to protect Nigerians and other African nationals and prosecute individuals found to have threatened, attacked or killed them.

The renewed tensions have also triggered a stronger response from Nigeria.

The National Assembly on Friday suspended official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees, legislative officials and staff to boycott South African-hosted legislative activities until further notice.

The suspension covers physical and virtual participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative institutions.

The decision followed renewed reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and displacement involving Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Nigerian lawmakers said they were particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and forced to abandon their homes, businesses and property.

The National Assembly, however, stressed that the decision was not intended to sever Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship with South Africa but to send a strong message over the need to protect Nigerian citizens.

The legislature called on South African authorities to investigate reported attacks, prosecute those responsible and strengthen measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living legally in the country.

The Federal Government has also continued efforts to assist Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa because of security concerns.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said the Nigerian mission was preparing for further evacuations following the renewed threats against foreign nationals.

Ajayi disclosed that 1,699 Nigerians had been evacuated from South Africa in 2026, with the exercise supported by the Nigerian government, Air Peace and private organisations.

He said the mission was working towards additional evacuation efforts as the September 30 deadline approaches.

The latest incidents have also drawn concern from the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), which called for a thorough investigation into Fakunle’s killing.

The association said the Nigerian cleric was shot at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4 and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding his death were properly established.

The latest killings come amid a broader resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, where foreign nationals have repeatedly faced accusations over unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

Nigerians have historically been among the most prominent African migrant communities in South Africa and have frequently become targets during xenophobic campaigns and attacks.

South African authorities have repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and called for peaceful coexistence, while also facing domestic pressure to tighten immigration controls.

The renewed tensions have therefore placed additional pressure on both governments to balance immigration concerns with the protection of foreign nationals and the preservation of bilateral relations.

Fani-Kayode warned that continued killings and discrimination could have consequences for Nigeria-South Africa relations, despite ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation.

“Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” he said, urging the South African government to reciprocate Nigeria’s efforts to maintain good relations by protecting Nigerian nationals and addressing Abuja’s concerns.

He also appealed for justice for Fakunle and Nwankwo and extended his condolences to their families, friends and associates.

The latest developments are expected to increase pressure on Pretoria to investigate attacks against Nigerians, while Nigerian authorities face growing demands to strengthen diplomatic measures and provide assistance to citizens who feel unsafe in South Africa.

For the Nigerian community in South Africa, the deaths have deepened concerns over personal safety, business security and the possibility of further attacks as the September 30 deadline approaches.

The situation has also reinforced calls for both countries to intensify diplomatic engagement and ensure that Nigerians in South Africa can live and conduct legitimate businesses without fear of violence, intimidation or discrimination.

Fani-Kayode Condemns Fresh Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa