Date: September 12, 2026
Reporter: Emilly Jordan
The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the recent deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, demanding thorough, transparent and expedited investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents as concerns continue to grow over the safety of Nigerians and other African migrants in the country.
The two Nigerians were identified as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo. Fakunle was reportedly killed at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4 after allegedly receiving threats, while Nwankwo died the following day in Cape Town following an encounter with officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the circumstances surrounding both deaths are particularly disturbing because they occurred amid renewed tensions over anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobic violence in South Africa. The ministry expressed concern that foreigners, particularly Africans from other countries, continue to face threats and violence while attempting to live and conduct legitimate businesses in the country.
The Nigerian government also raised concerns over the conduct of South African law-enforcement personnel in Nwankwo’s case. Nigerian officials said he died after what they described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by SAPS officers. The allegation has not been established by a court, and the Nigerian government is calling for a proper investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Fakunle’s death has also generated concern because Nigerian officials said he had reportedly received threats before being killed at his home. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or established a motive for the killing, leaving questions about whether the incident was connected to xenophobia or another form of criminal violence.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry said the incidents raise serious questions about the safety of Nigerian citizens and other foreign nationals in South Africa, as well as the effectiveness of measures being taken by South African authorities to prevent targeted attacks.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of a wider deterioration in concerns over anti-migrant violence in South Africa. Nigeria’s parliament has already suspended official visits and participation in South African-hosted legislative activities until further notice, citing continuing attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The parliamentary decision represents an additional diplomatic response to the growing concerns. Nigeria has also been involved in efforts to evacuate citizens who feel unsafe in South Africa. Reuters reported that 1,695 Nigerians had voluntarily returned home in 2026 amid the wider tensions.
Nigeria’s National Assembly said its suspension covers official visits, parliamentary exchanges, conferences, seminars, workshops and other legislative engagements organized, hosted or sponsored by South African institutions. The measure will remain in place until further notice.
The Nigerian Union in South Africa has similarly condemned the latest deaths, describing them as unacceptable and calling for comprehensive investigations and justice for the victims. The organization said the incidents demonstrate the urgent need for stronger measures to protect members of the Nigerian community.
Anti-migrant sentiment has remained a recurring source of tension in South Africa, where some groups have blamed foreigners for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Nigerians and other African migrants have periodically been targeted during protests and violent attacks, creating repeated diplomatic tensions between South Africa and other African governments.
The issue has previously strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of the continent’s largest economies and most influential countries. Nigerian officials have repeatedly demanded stronger protection for their citizens, while South African authorities have condemned xenophobic violence and maintained that criminal acts against foreign nationals should be investigated and prosecuted.
The latest killings could further complicate bilateral relations if investigations fail to provide satisfactory answers or if those responsible are not held accountable. For Nigeria, the issue has increasingly moved beyond individual criminal cases to broader questions concerning the protection of its citizens abroad and the responsibility of host governments to safeguard foreign nationals.
The Nigerian government is therefore seeking investigations that establish exactly how both men died, identify those responsible where criminal wrongdoing is found, and ensure that appropriate legal action follows. The demand comes as Nigeria continues to monitor the security situation affecting its citizens in South Africa and considers further measures in response to recurring reports of anti-migrant violence.
The deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo have once again placed the safety of Nigerians in South Africa at the centre of diplomatic attention, with Nigerian authorities insisting that the protection of foreign nationals and accountability for violence must remain a priority as the two countries manage their increasingly sensitive relationship.