Xenophobia: FG demands probe into killing of two Nigerians in South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for a thorough investigation into the recent murders of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, amid growing fears of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners. The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, identified Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo as the victims.

Fakunle was killed at his home in Johannesburg on September 4, while Nwankwo died in Cape Town on September 5 after allegedly enduring "harsh interrogation methods" by South African Police Service officers. The government condemned the killings and urged South African authorities to promptly commence transparent and swift investigations, with perpetrators held accountable.

The Federal Government highlighted the heightened concern over these incidents, as they occurred amidst a pattern of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa, particularly Africans. Nigeria has long raised concerns over xenophobia and Afrophobia, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Africa to establish an Early Warning Mechanism. However, while Nigeria has adhered to this agreement, South Africa has yet to do so.

In response to the latest killings, Nigeria's National Assembly suspended all official trips to South Africa and directed government officials to boycott South African-hosted events. The deaths have now prompted the Federal Government to seek formal investigations from South African authorities, alongside diplomatic efforts, parliamentary measures, and evacuations of Nigerian citizens affected by the renewed attacks.

So far, 1,640 Nigerians have been repatriated to Nigeria, with 1,385 evacuated fully sponsored by the government, and an additional 255 evacuated through philanthropic support.