The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, has raised concerns over what he described as the persistent killing and xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode, in a statement issued yesterday, alleged that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and the present, with over 30 of the deaths allegedly involving officers of the South African Police Service and the South African Defence Force.
He cited the recent killing of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle by gunmen in Johannesburg on September 4 and the death of James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who he alleged was killed by South African police officers the following day.
According to the envoy, the two men were the seventh and eighth Nigerians killed in South Africa this year.
“I am mortified and deeply shocked to hear about the murder of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle by unknown elements in Johannesburg on September 4,” Fani-Kayode said.
He alleged that Fakunle’s killers had issued threats before going to his residence and shooting him dead.
The High Commissioner also alleged that Nwankwo died following what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by officers of the South African Police Service.
Fani-Kayode further claimed that four of the eight Nigerians reportedly killed in South Africa this year were allegedly murdered by South African police officers.
He expressed concern that despite repeated complaints and expressions of concern by the Nigerian Mission, no arrest or prosecution had been made in connection with the deaths.
“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs, not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for any of these heinous crimes,” he said.
The envoy called on the South African Government to take stronger measures to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure that those responsible for attacks against them were brought to justice.
He said the Nigerian community in South Africa was “deeply disturbed” by the developments and living in fear over what might happen next.
Fani-Kayode also raised concerns over a reported September 30 deadline issued by some South African organisations for African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave the country.
He described the organisations as racist and xenophobic groups and alleged that they had threatened African nationals with violence if they failed to comply with the deadline.
The High Commissioner urged the South African Government to protect Nigerians from what he called the excesses of such groups and to enforce the law against anyone threatening or attacking them.
He also called for justice for Nigerians allegedly subjected to discrimination, harassment, torture and killings in the country.
Fani-Kayode said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening relations with South Africa but warned that continued attacks against Nigerians could have consequences.
“Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” he said, while urging the South African Government to reciprocate Nigeria’s treatment of South African nationals and address the concerns raised by the Nigerian Mission.
He expressed condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo, praying for the repose of their souls.
