Nigeria's Foreign Ministry says two nationals were killed in South Africa amid a surge of anti‑migrant unrest. One victim, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, reportedly died after alleged "gruesome interrogation techniques" by police in Cape Town; the other, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, was found dead at his Johannesburg home. Abuja has indefinitely suspended official visits and called for investigations as diplomatic tensions rise.
Two Nigerians Killed in South Africa as Anti‑Migrant Unrest Escalates; Abuja Suspends Official Ties
FILE - Protesters march against illegal immigration, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, file)
ABUJA — Nigeria's Foreign Ministry says two Nigerian nationals were killed in South Africa amid a renewed wave of anti‑migrant unrest, deepening diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The ministry named one of the victims as James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, saying he died on Sept. 5 in Cape Town after what it described as "gruesome interrogation techniques" allegedly carried out by South African police. The ministry identified the other victim as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, who was found dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg on Sept. 4. The statement did not name any suspects or suggest a motive in Bishop Fakunle's death.
"These killings raise questions about the safety of foreigners in the country and the commitment of the South African authorities to curbing targeted attacks against foreigners," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who also accused South African police of "exacerbating an already fragile situation."
South African police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations. The incidents come against a backdrop of recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where migrants from across the continent have been targeted amid public anger over unemployment, crime and pressure on services.
Wider Context
The violent protests and targeted attacks have forced thousands of migrants to flee and prompted diplomatic protests from several African capitals. On Friday, Nigeria's parliament announced an indefinite suspension of official visits and engagements with South Africa.
Earlier this year in June, two Nigerians were killed during anti‑migrant violence: Nigerian authorities said one was allegedly killed by police and the other by unidentified attackers. In July, Nigeria's minister of state for foreign affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said at least 98 Nigerians have been killed since 2022 in mob attacks, hate‑related violence and extrajudicial killings.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry has called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the recent deaths and urged South African authorities to protect foreign nationals and stem further violence. The developments are likely to strain bilateral relations until concrete steps are taken to address security concerns and hold perpetrators accountable.
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