ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Foreign Ministry has reported the deaths of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa, a development that comes amid heightening bilateral tensions fueled by anti-immigrant demonstrations.
According to the ministry, one victim, identified as James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, died following “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly employed by South African police officers in Cape Town on September 5.
The ministry’s statement also addressed the death of Taiwo Michael Fakunle, a bishop, who was killed at his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4. The statement did not name specific suspects or establish a motive for his death.
South African law enforcement has not yet issued a formal response to these allegations.
“These killings raise serious concerns regarding the safety of foreign nationals and the dedication of South African authorities to preventing targeted violence against migrants,” stated Oluwafemi Adeniyi, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. He further criticized the South African police, suggesting their actions have “exacerbated an already fragile situation.”
South Africa remains a major destination for migrants from across the African continent, including many Nigerians seeking economic opportunity. However, the country has frequently faced outbreaks of xenophobic violence, with protesters often blaming foreign nationals for increased crime, unemployment, and strain on public infrastructure.
These periods of unrest have historically forced thousands of migrants to flee and have severely strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and other African nations.
In response to the escalating situation, the Nigerian parliament announced an indefinite suspension of official visits and diplomatic engagements with South Africa last Friday.
This latest incident follows a similar pattern of violence; in June, two Nigerians were killed during anti-migrant protests shortly before an unofficial deadline set by demonstrators for foreigners to depart the country. In that instance, Nigeria alleged one death was caused by police and the other by unidentified assailants.
Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, noted in July that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed since 2022 due to mob violence, hate crimes, and extrajudicial killings.