By Crystal Ugoeze
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the alleged killing of two Nigerian nationals in Johannesburg, describing the incidents as deeply shocking and unacceptable.
Fani-Kayode, in a statement, said Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle was murdered by unidentified assailants in Johannesburg on September 4, 2026, after allegedly receiving a series of threats.
According to him, Fakunle’s killers reportedly went to his residence and shot him dead.
The High Commissioner also expressed concern over the reported death of another Nigerian, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who allegedly died on September 5 following what Fani-Kayode described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.
Fani-Kayode claimed that Fakunle and Nwankwo were the seventh and eighth Nigerians to have been killed in South Africa in 2026, alleging that four of the eight deaths involved South African police officers.
He further alleged that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and September 2026, with more than 30 of the deaths allegedly involving members of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.
“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs, not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for any of these heinous crimes,” Fani-Kayode said.
He called on the South African government to take stronger measures to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure that those responsible for the alleged killings are brought to justice.
“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he said.
The High Commissioner said the Nigerian community in South Africa was deeply disturbed by the developments and living in fear over what could happen next, adding that the Nigerian diplomatic mission was equally concerned.
Fani-Kayode also raised alarm over a fresh September 30 deadline reportedly issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa.
He attributed the deadline to what he described as “racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic” South African non-governmental organisations, alleging that some of the groups had threatened African nationals who failed to comply.
He urged the South African government to protect Nigerians from what he called the excesses of such organisations and to enforce the law against anyone threatening or harming foreign nationals.
The High Commissioner said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening its relationship with South Africa but warned that continued attacks, discrimination and killings of Nigerians could have consequences.
“Simply put our patience is wearing thin,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also argued that South Africans living in Nigeria were not targeted and killed by Nigerians or Nigerian security agencies, urging South Africa to reciprocate by protecting Nigerian nationals and addressing their concerns.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of Bishop Fakunle and Nwankwo.Suggested headlines: