Nigeria Demands Justice for Two Nationals Killed in SA

The Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the deaths of two Nigerian nationals, Bishop Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who were killed in separate incidents in South Africa on September 4 and September 5, 2026, respectively. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, issued a statement calling for a thorough, transparent, and swift investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

The government expressed deep concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, emphasizing the need for South African authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens, including Nigerians. Nigeria urged immediate investigation into the circumstances of the deaths and highlighted the failure to implement a proposed Early Warning Mechanism, which was signed by Nigeria but not yet by South Africa.

The Federal Government extended condolences to the families of the deceased and reiterated its commitment to diplomatic engagement to address these issues.