Nigeria Demands Probe into Killings of Two Citizens in SA

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for an investigation into the killings of two Nigerians in South Africa, amid ongoing concerns regarding xenophobic and Afrophobic violence against foreigners. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on September 11, 2026, signed by spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, identifying the victims as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, murdered in his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who died in Somerset, Cape Town, on September 5, reportedly due to "gruesome interrogation techniques" by South African police.

The Nigerian government condemned these deaths and urged South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations. It expressed particular concern over the involvement of law enforcement and the interrogation methods used.

Nigeria has been actively engaging with South Africa on these issues and has previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an Early Warning Mechanism, although South Africa has not yet signed. In response to the situation, Nigeria's National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and is evacuating affected citizens, with 1,640 Nigerians returned so far.