Nigerian High Commissioner Calls for Justice Following Murders of Two Nationals in South Africa

In a tragic escalation of violence against Nigerians in South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the Nigerian High Commissioner Designate, has condemned the recent murders of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo. Both men were killed in Johannesburg in early September, marking a disturbing rise in fatalities among Nigerians in the country. Fani-Kayode's statement highlights that these two deaths bring the total number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa this year alone to eight, while over 100 have been reportedly killed since 2022.

Fani-Kayode expressed his deep shock and mortification at the circumstances surrounding the murders, particularly noting that Bishop Fakunle was shot at his home following threats from his assailants. In his statement, he remarked, “I am mortified and deeply shocked to hear about the murder of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle by unknown elements in Johannesburg on September 4th.” He further highlighted the violent nature of Nwankwo's death, which he claims was perpetrated by officers of the South African Police Service.

The former minister's urgent call for justice underscores the persistent safety concerns faced by the Nigerian community in South Africa. Despite multiple appeals for intervention from Nigerian authorities, Fani-Kayode lamented the lack of accountability, stating that no arrests have been made in connection with these killings. “It is disturbing that despite repeated concerns raised by the Nigerian authorities, nobody has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice over the killings,” he stated.

As the Nigerian government seeks to address these alarming incidents, the call for protective measures for its citizens abroad grows increasingly urgent. Many Nigerians in South Africa now live in fear, prompting a wider discourse on the treatment of foreign nationals and the responsibilities of host nations towards their safety.