The Federal Government has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents in South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting foreigners in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two Nigerians, identified as Taiwo Fakunle and James Nwankwo, died in separate incidents on September 4 and 5 respectively. The ministry spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the ministry, Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4. Nwankwo, on the other hand, was reportedly killed in Somerset, Cape Town, a day later.
The ministry said Nwankwo’s death occurred during what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.
The Federal Government expressed particular concern over the reported involvement of law enforcement officers in the incident and the circumstances surrounding Nwankwo’s death.
The latest deaths come about two months after two other Nigerians were killed amid renewed anti-migrant tensions in South Africa.
In recent months, Nigerians and other African nationals have faced attacks and destruction of property in different parts of the country.
The Nigerian government said the recurring incidents raise questions about the commitment of South African authorities to protecting foreigners and preventing targeted attacks.
The ministry also expressed concern over reports of law enforcement officers using interrogation methods it described as unacceptable, saying such practices have repeatedly raised serious concerns over the safety of foreigners.
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The Federal Government called on South African authorities to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo. It also demanded that anyone found responsible should be identified and brought to justice.
Nigeria said it expects South African authorities to take concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living and conducting legitimate activities in the country.
The ministry further expressed concern over South Africa’s refusal to sign a memorandum of understanding for an early-warning mechanism previously discussed during bilateral engagements between the two countries.
According to the ministry, the Federal Government is considering additional measures to secure greater cooperation from South Africa following previous diplomatic efforts.
One of the options under consideration is taking the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans to regional and continental bodies.
The ministry said Nigeria could raise the issue before the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS as well as the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The move would place the issue within broader regional discussions on the protection of African citizens and the responsibilities of governments towards foreign nationals.
The latest development also comes as Nigeria’s National Assembly takes a stronger position on the recurring attacks.
On Friday, the National Assembly suspended all legislative engagements with South Africa over the continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians.
The decision adds to growing pressure on South African authorities to address violence and discrimination against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The Federal Government’s latest response indicates that Nigeria is considering stronger diplomatic measures if South Africa does not take adequate steps to investigate the deaths and prevent further attacks.
The Cable
