Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has warned that Nigeria’s patience is running out over the alleged killing of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, urging the South African Government to take urgent steps to protect Nigerians and bring perpetrators to justice.
Fani-Kayode said the recent deaths of two Nigerians in Johannesburg had further heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerian nationals in the country.
In a statement posted on X the envoy said Michael Fakunle was shot dead at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4 after allegedly receiving a series of threats.
He also alleged that another Nigerian, James Nwankwo, died on September 5 following what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service in Johannesburg.
According to Fani-Kayode, the two deaths have increased the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to eight.
He further alleged that four of the eight Nigerians were killed by South African police officers.
“Outside of that, over 100 Nigerian nationals have been murdered in South Africa between 2022 and today and over 30 of them were killed by officers of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force,” he said.
The high commissioner expressed concern that despite repeated complaints and interventions by Nigerian authorities, there had been no arrests, prosecutions or convictions over the alleged killings.
“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. This is unacceptable,” Fani-Kayode said.
He called on the South African Government to strengthen measures to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure that those responsible for attacks against them are prosecuted.
“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he said.
Fani-Kayode said the Nigerian community in South Africa was “deeply disturbed” by the recent developments and was increasingly living in fear of further attacks.
CONCERNS OVER SEPTEMBER 30 DEADLINE
The Nigerian envoy also raised concerns over a September 30 deadline reportedly issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa.
According to him, the deadline was issued by South African non-governmental organisations, which he accused of promoting racism and xenophobia.
Fani-Kayode further alleged that some of the organisations had threatened to target or harm African nationals who failed to comply with the directive.
He therefore urged the South African Government to protect Nigerians from groups making such threats and take action against anyone found to be violating the law.
The high commissioner said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening diplomatic relations with South Africa but warned that continued attacks and discrimination against Nigerians could have consequences.
“Whilst we seek to establish stronger and deeper ties with the South African Government one thing remains clear. If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals do not stop there will be consequences. Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also argued that Nigerians had not subjected South African nationals to similar attacks in Nigeria or by Nigerian security agencies.
“The least the South African Government can do is to reciprocate this gesture, protect our nationals and address our legitimate concerns,” he added.
He expressed condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo and reiterated the call for stronger protection of Nigerians in South Africa.
