Two Nigerians Killed in Separate South Africa Incidents Amid Renewed Xenophobia Concerns

The Federal Government has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents in South Africa, amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who identified the deceased as Taiwo Fakunle and James Nwankwo.

According to the ministry, Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, while Nwankwo reportedly died the following day in Somerset, Cape Town, during what the government described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by officers of the South African Police Service.

The Federal Government expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the two deaths and called on South African authorities to conduct comprehensive, transparent and independent investigations.

It urged the authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is identified and brought to justice.

The government expressed particular concern over the alleged involvement of police officers in Nwankwo’s death, describing the reported interrogation methods as unacceptable and demanding clarification of the circumstances that led to his death.

The latest incidents occurred about two months after two other Nigerians were reportedly killed in South Africa amid renewed tensions and attacks targeting migrants.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the recurring incidents, including attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals as well as the destruction of their property, had raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of measures being taken by South African authorities to prevent xenophobic attacks.

The ministry also expressed disappointment over South Africa’s failure to sign a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of an early-warning mechanism.

The mechanism was reportedly agreed upon during bilateral discussions between Nigeria and South Africa as part of efforts to prevent and respond to attacks against foreigners.

The Federal Government said it was considering “other concrete measures” to secure greater cooperation from the South African government following previous diplomatic engagements.

It said the measures could include presenting the recurring cases of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals before the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.

The latest development comes as Nigeria’s National Assembly on Friday suspended all legislative engagements with South Africa over the continued attacks against Nigerians in the country.

Despite the growing diplomatic concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives, rights and legitimate interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The government said it would continue to engage relevant South African authorities and pursue appropriate measures to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians in the country.

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