Nigeria’s Patience Wearing Thin Over Killings in South Africa, Says Fani-Kayode

Nigeria's patience is rapidly waning in the face of alleged killings of its nationals in South Africa, according to former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode. In a recent statement, Fani-Kayode, who is also the High Commissioner designate to South Africa, expressed deep shock and condemnation over the deaths of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, both reportedly murdered in Johannesburg in September.

Fakunle was allegedly killed at his residence after receiving threats, while Nwankwo died following what Fani-Kayode described as "gruesome interrogation techniques" by South African Police Service officers. The former minister claimed that this is the eighth Nigerian death in South Africa this year, with four of the eight deaths involving South African police or defense force personnel.

He further revealed that over 100 Nigerian nationals have been killed in South Africa between 2022 and September 2023, including over 30 allegedly murdered by South African police and defense force officers. Fani-Kayode expressed concern over the lack of arrests, detentions, prosecutions, or justice for the alleged killings and called on the South African Government to intensify efforts to protect Nigerians and bring those responsible to justice.

He also condemned the actions of South African non-governmental organizations that have issued deadlines for African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave the country by September 30, calling these demands illegal. Fani-Kayode urged the South African Government to take full legal action against those engaging in threats and intimidation and noted that Nigeria's desire to strengthen relations with South Africa cannot be divorced from ensuring the safety and dignity of its citizens.

He emphasized that if the cycle of discrimination and killing of Nigerian nationals persists, there will be consequences, stating that Nigeria's patience is wearing thin.