South Africa: Fani-Kayode Demands Justice for Murdered Nigerians

Nigeria's ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has called for justice for Nigerians killed in recent attacks on African nationals in the country. Fani-Kayode made the demand following the deaths of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo. Fakunle was shot dead at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4, while Nwankwo died the following day due to what police described as "gruesome interrogation techniques."

The Nigeria Citizens Association South Africa reported that Fakunle was shot several times after two suspects gained access to his home. Fani-Kayode expressed his shock and mortification over Fakunle's killing and the police involvement in Nwankwo's death. He criticized the failure to prosecute those responsible for the killings, stating that no one has been arrested or brought to justice for these heinous crimes.

Fani-Kayode urged the South African government to strengthen protection for Nigerians and ensure those responsible face justice, accusing some South African NGOs of being "brazenly racist, xenophobic, and Afrophobic." He called for the South African government to hold accountable those who "traumatize, terrorize, torture, and kill" Nigerians.

Fani-Kayode emphasized that Nigeria has not experienced similar attacks on South Africans and urged South Africa to reciprocate by protecting its nationals and addressing legitimate concerns.