Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Federal Government has demanded thorough investigations into the deaths of two Nigerians, Bishop Michael Fakunle and James Nwankwo, in separate incidents in South Africa.
The deaths have triggered fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country, with community leaders calling for accountability and stronger action against alleged xenophobic attacks and police brutality.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was allegedly shot dead at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4 after receiving a series of threats. Nwankwo died the following day in circumstances described as involving “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by officers of the South African Police Service.
Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the two deaths brought the number of Nigerians allegedly murdered in the country this year to eight. He said four of the eight were allegedly killed by South African police officers.
He said, “Bishop Fakunle and Mr Nwankwo are the 7th and 8th Nigerians to have been murdered in South Africa this year alone.
“Outside of that, over 100 Nigerian nationals have been murdered in South Africa between 2022 and today and over 30 of them were killed by officers of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.”
Fani-Kayode also expressed concern over the lack of arrests and prosecutions in previous cases, saying, “What is most disturbing is the fact that despite 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.”
The National Assembly responded by suspending official visits to South Africa and directing members and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities until further notice.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said his government had not received official communication about the parliamentary decision. He told SABC News that the move did not, at that stage, affect bilateral relations between both countries.
He said, “We have not received any official communication in that regard, but our understanding is that it is the National Assembly of Nigeria, and it does not, at this stage, affect the bilateral relations between the two countries.
“It will be very unfortunate if that will be because these are the two big giants of the African continent that need to work together.”
Lamola said South Africa remained willing to discuss concerns with Nigeria, adding that Nigeria had previously provided a list of about 100 Nigerians killed in the country. He said South African authorities had verified the cases and were open to further discussions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
However, South Africa’s Consul-General in Lagos, Prof Bobby Moroe, declined to comment specifically on the latest killings, saying responses would come from the government headquarters in Pretoria. No response had been received as of Sunday night.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South Africa, Dr ABC Okokoh, said attacks and alleged high-handed treatment of Nigerians by security personnel had remained a longstanding concern. He also noted that violence in South Africa affected different groups, not Nigerians alone.
He said, “The police here use high-handedness, especially on Nigerians. It is not new.
“There are a lot of cases that are still in court. At the end of the day, it doesn’t go so far because the cases are also being prosecuted by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, which means it is the state that is prosecuting the state.”
The President of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora, South Africa, Dr Olusola Agbeniyi, also criticised what he described as limited coverage of attacks against Nigerians in South African media. He urged authorities to take decisive action against groups promoting xenophobia.
The President-General of the Nigerian Union South Africa, Dr Smart Nwobi, demanded transparent investigations into the deaths and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
He said, “Let me be clear: NUSA will not remain silent while Nigerian lives are lost and justice is delayed or denied.
“We respect the sovereignty of South Africa and remain committed to constructive relations between our two nations. However, friendship and diplomatic relations cannot become an excuse for silence in the face of injustice.”
Nwobi added, “The South African Government has a constitutional and moral responsibility to protect every person within its territory, including Nigerian nationals.
“We therefore expect concrete action, not merely statements of sympathy. We expect investigations, accountability and justice.”
The Federal Government has also formally demanded action. In a statement, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, called on South African authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding Fakunle and Nwankwo’s deaths.
Adeniyi said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria calls on the relevant South African authorities to immediately commence thorough and transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the two killings with a view to ensuring that those responsible for the murder are identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“Nigeria expects that this matter would be accorded the attention and urgency required.”
