Nigeria Condemns Killings of Two Nationals in South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the recent killings of two Nigerians in South Africa, demanding immediate investigations into their deaths. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, identified the deceased as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, murdered in his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, 2026, and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who died following alleged brutal interrogation by the South African Police Service in Somerset, Cape Town, on September 5.

The Nigerian government expressed deep concern over the safety of foreigners in South Africa amid ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. It condemned the killings in the strongest terms and called for thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice.

Additionally, Nigeria noted the troubling involvement of law enforcement in Nwankwo's death and highlighted the need for South Africa to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at addressing xenophobia. This condemnation follows the National Assembly's suspension of official visits to South Africa until further notice.