Nigeria says 2 of its nationals killed in South Africa as anti-migrant tensions flare

ABUJA, Nigeria — Two Nigerian nationals were killed in South Africa, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry, as tensions escalate between the two nations due to anti-immigrant protests. James Uchechukwu Nwankwo was killed after being subjected to "gruesome interrogation techniques" by South African police in Cape Town on September 5.

Taiwo Michael Fakunle, a bishop, was found dead in his Johannesburg residence on September 4, and the identity of his killer has not been disclosed. South African police have not yet commented on the matter. Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, expressed concern over the safety of foreigners in South Africa and accused South African authorities of "exacerbating an already fragile situation."

Nigeria has long been a popular destination for foreigners from across Africa, but xenophobic violence has occasionally erupted, forcing many migrants to leave and straining diplomatic relations with other African countries. Nigeria’s parliament temporarily suspended all official visits and engagements with South Africa in response to the escalating tensions.