………Federal Government raises fresh concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks and interrogation methods after deaths of two Nigerian nationals
The Federal Government has condemned the reported killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and demanded thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received the reports with “profound shock” in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
The two Nigerians were identified as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo.
Fakunle was reportedly killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, 2026.
Nwankwo died a day later in Somerset, Cape Town, following what the ministry described as alleged “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.
The Federal Government said the incidents were particularly disturbing because of recurring reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners, especially Africans, in South Africa.
FG Demands Justice
Nigeria called on relevant South African authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths.
The government also demanded that anyone found responsible should be identified and prosecuted according to the law.
“Nigeria views these incidents with grave concern and condemns the killings of Bishop Fakunle and Mr Nwankwo in the strongest terms possible,” the ministry said.
The government said it expected the cases to receive the attention and urgency they require.
It also expressed concern over allegations that law enforcement officers responsible for protecting lives and property could have used unacceptable interrogation methods that contributed to the deaths.
Nigeria Raises Xenophobia Concerns
The Federal Government said it had repeatedly raised concerns about xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa through diplomatic channels.
According to the ministry, Nigeria had raised the issue before the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the African Union Assembly.
Nigeria has also continued diplomatic engagement with South Africa in an effort to address issues affecting relations between both countries.
However, the government expressed concern over the delayed implementation of an Early Warning Mechanism agreed during bilateral discussions.
Nigeria has already signed the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the mechanism, but South Africa is yet to sign the agreement.
The Federal Government said it was considering other concrete measures to secure greater cooperation from South African authorities.
FG Condoles Families
The government extended its condolences to the families of the two Nigerians.
It also expressed sympathy to their friends and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
The ministry prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for their families as they deal with the loss.
