September 12, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, calling for thorough and transparent investigations as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians and other African migrants in the country.
The victims have been identified as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who died in separate incidents on September 4 and September 5, 2026.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bishop Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4.
Nwankwo died the following day in Somerset, Cape Town. Nigerian authorities alleged that his death followed severe interrogation methods involving officers of the South African Police Service.
The circumstances surrounding the two deaths have triggered renewed calls for accountability and stronger protection for Nigerians living in South Africa.
Nigerian Government Demands Investigation
In a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Nigeria condemned the deaths and called on South African authorities to immediately conduct credible investigations.
The government wants those responsible identified and brought to justice in accordance with South African law.
Nigeria expressed particular concern about allegations surrounding Nwankwo’s death because they involve members of a law-enforcement agency responsible for protecting lives.
At the time of initial international reporting, South African police had not immediately responded to a request for comment regarding the allegations surrounding Nwankwo’s death.
Authorities have also not publicly established a motive for Fakunle’s killing.
Growing Concerns Over Anti-Migrant Violence
The deaths come amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration in South Africa.
South Africa has long attracted migrants from Nigeria and other African countries seeking employment, education and business opportunities. However, the country has also experienced repeated outbreaks of violence and hostility directed at foreign nationals.
Anti-immigration groups and protesters have blamed migrants for problems including unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
Nigerian authorities argue that these frustrations cannot justify attacks, discrimination or violence against foreigners.
The Nigerian government says recurring incidents involving its citizens have created serious concerns about whether sufficient measures are being taken to protect foreigners living and working in South Africa.
At Least 98 Nigerians Reportedly Killed Since 2022
The latest incidents are part of a much wider concern.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said in July that at least 98 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022 in incidents described as mob attacks, hate-related violence and extrajudicial killings.
Earlier in June 2026, two other Nigerians were killed during a period of heightened anti-migrant tensions.
The repeated incidents have increased diplomatic pressure between two of Africa’s largest economies.
National Assembly Takes Action
Nigeria’s National Assembly has now taken an unusually strong diplomatic step.
On Friday, September 11, the National Assembly announced the indefinite suspension of official legislative visits and engagements involving South Africa.
The suspension covers official visits and other legislative engagements involving Nigerian lawmakers and South African authorities.
The National Assembly said it was deeply concerned about reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced and of people being forced to abandon businesses, investments and property because of recurring violence.
The decision signals that concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa are moving beyond diplomatic statements toward more concrete government action.
Nigeria Raises Early-Warning Agreement Concern
Nigeria has maintained that dialogue remains an important way of addressing tensions between the two countries.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed frustration over an agreed Early Warning Mechanism intended to help both countries respond to xenophobic and Afrophobic incidents before they escalate.
Nigeria says it has signed the relevant memorandum of understanding, while South Africa has yet to do so.
The Nigerian government has also raised the issue of attacks against Nigerians and other Africans through regional and continental diplomatic channels, including ECOWAS and the African Union.
Officials say Nigeria is considering further measures aimed at securing greater cooperation from South African authorities.
Calls for Calm and Justice
Despite growing anger over the deaths, Nigerian representatives have urged citizens living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious.
The immediate priority remains establishing exactly what happened to Fakunle and Nwankwo and ensuring that anyone found responsible faces justice.
The latest deaths are likely to intensify debate over migration, xenophobia and the responsibility of African governments to protect foreign nationals living within their borders.
For the families of the victims and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa, however, the demand is straightforward: answers, accountability and justice.