Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa and Lesotho, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the recent killings of two Nigerians in Johannesburg, describing the incidents as unacceptable and demanding urgent action by the South African Government.
Fani-Kayode said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by the September 4, 2026 murder of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle, who was allegedly shot dead at his home in Johannesburg after receiving threats.
He also expressed concern over the death of James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who reportedly died on September 5 following what the High Commissioner described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by officers of the South African Police Service.
According to Fani-Kayode, Fakunle and Nwankwo were the seventh and eighth Nigerians murdered in South Africa in 2026, with four of the eight deaths allegedly involving South African security personnel.
He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022, including over 30 allegedly killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.
The High Commissioner said the absence of arrests, prosecutions or convictions in connection with the alleged killings was particularly disturbing.
“This is unacceptable,” he said, calling on the South African Government to intensify efforts to protect Nigerian nationals and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” Fani-Kayode said.
He said the Nigerian community in South Africa was increasingly living in fear, adding that the Nigerian Mission was equally concerned about the deteriorating security situation facing Nigerians in the country.
Fani-Kayode also raised alarm over a fresh September 30 deadline reportedly issued by some South African non-governmental organisations directing African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave the country.
He described the organisations behind the ultimatum as racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic, alleging that some had threatened African nationals who failed to comply with the deadline.
He urged the South African Government to protect Nigerians and other African nationals from threats and intimidation and to enforce the law against anyone engaging in violence or unlawful activities.
The High Commissioner said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening relations with South Africa but warned that continued discrimination, harassment and killings of Nigerians could have serious consequences for bilateral relations.
“Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” he said, while stressing that Nigerians in South Africa deserved the same protection expected for South Africans living in Nigeria.
Fani-Kayode urged the South African authorities to address Nigeria’s concerns and prevent further attacks against Nigerians.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of Bishop Fakunle and Nwankwo and called for justice for their families and victims of similar attacks.
