Nigerian bishop, one other killed in South Africa

Two Nigerian citizens, Bishop Michael Fakunle and James Nwankwo, were killed in Johannesburg, South Africa. These incidents occurred on consecutive days in September, raising concerns about xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in the country. Fakunle was killed at his home after reportedly receiving threats, while Nwankwo was killed following what authorities described as "gruesome interrogation techniques."

Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and ambassador-designate to South Africa, expressed shock and sorrow over the murders. He alleged that it marked the eighth and seventh Nigerian deaths in South Africa in 2026, with four of the victims allegedly killed by South African police. Fani-Kayode called on the government to take action to protect Nigerians and bring the perpetrators to justice, expressing dismay at the lack of arrests or prosecutions thus far.