Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has warned the South African authorities to take immediate action to stop the killing of Nigerian citizens in the country.
Fani-Kayode said Nigeria’s patience was “wearing thin” over the continued xenophobic attacks and killings targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
The warning comes amid the recent deaths of a Nigerian bishop, Michael Taiwo Fakunle, and another Nigerian citizen, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, in Johannesburg.
According to reports, Fakunle was killed inside his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4. Nwankwo was reportedly killed the following day during an incident involving officers of the South African Police Service.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa disclosed that the cleric was shot several times after two suspects allegedly gained entry into his home.
Reacting to the development, Fani-Kayode said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by the bishop’s death.
He also stated that Fakunle had reportedly received threats before the attack, raising further concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
“I am equally shocked to hear about the murder of Mr James Uchechukwu Nwankwo by officers of the South African Police Service again in Johannesburg on September 5,” he said.
The High Commissioner’s warning adds to growing concerns over the safety of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, particularly amid recurring reports of xenophobic attacks and alleged mistreatment.
Fani-Kayode’s remarks are expected to further draw attention to the need for stronger measures by South African authorities to protect Nigerian citizens and ensure that those responsible for the reported killings are held accountable.
