Nigeria’s High Commissioner-Designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the reported killings of two Nigerians in Johannesburg within two days, describing the incidents as disturbing and unacceptable.
Fani-Kayode identified the victims as Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who reportedly died in separate incidents on September 4 and September 5.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the former Minister of Aviation said Fakunle was allegedly killed at his residence after receiving threats from unidentified persons.
He also expressed concern over the death of Nwankwo, who was said to have died following an encounter with officers of the South African Police Service.
According to Fani-Kayode, reports surrounding Nwankwo’s death alleged that he was subjected to harsh interrogation methods before he died.
The diplomat-designate claimed that the latest deaths brought the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa this year to eight, adding that some of the cases allegedly involved members of the country’s security agencies.
He further alleged that more than 100 Nigerians had lost their lives in South Africa since 2022, with several deaths reportedly linked to security personnel.
Fani-Kayode criticised what he described as the lack of arrests and prosecutions in connection with the killings, urging South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are investigated and brought to justice.
He stressed that Nigerians should not be subjected to violence or discrimination simply because of their nationality.
Fani-Kayode also raised concerns over reports of fresh threats against African migrants, including Nigerians, who were allegedly given a September 30 deadline to leave South Africa by some groups.
He called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from organisations accused of promoting xenophobia and violence.
According to him, the Nigerian community and diplomatic mission in South Africa remain deeply worried by the repeated incidents.
While emphasising Nigeria’s desire to maintain strong relations with South Africa, Fani-Kayode warned that continued attacks on Nigerians could damage relations between both countries.
He argued that South African citizens living in Nigeria are not subjected to similar attacks and called for equal protection for Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode ended by offering condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo and praying for the repose of their souls.
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