Two Nigerians Killed In South Africa As Consulate Demands Justice

The Nigerian community in South Africa has been thrown into mourning following the reported deaths of two Nigerian nationals in separate incidents, with diplomatic officials and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode calling for justice and stronger protection for Nigerians living in the country.

The two Nigerians are Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, who was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, 2026, and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, whose death was reported a day later on September 5.

The deaths have triggered renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly amid growing anti-migrant sentiments and calls by an anti-migrant group, March and March, for foreigners to leave the country by September 30.

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Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle Killed At Johannesburg Residence

According to the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was killed on September 4 at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, by yet-to-be-identified criminals.

The Consulate described the killing as a “gruesome murder” and said the incident had caused deep shock and pain for Fakunle’s family, the Nigerian community and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa.

The mission expressed particular concern over reports that the attack may have been targeted.

According to the Consulate, the assailants allegedly traced Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle to his residence, shot him several times and burgled the house.

The circumstances surrounding the killing have raised questions about how the attackers located the cleric and what may have motivated the attack.

The Consulate said the incident was particularly disturbing because it came amid what it described as repeated cases involving Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.

It called on the relevant South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that those responsible are ultimately prosecuted.

The mission also urged the South African government to take stronger measures to protect Nigerians living in the country and safeguard their property.

James Uchechukwu Nwankwo’s Death Raises Further Concern

Minister Femi Fani-Kayode also raised the case of James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, whose death he said occurred on September 5, just a day after Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was killed.

According to the former minister, Nwankwo died in Johannesburg following what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by officers of the South African Police Service.

Minister Femi Fani-Kayode’s account represents an allegation about the circumstances of Nwankwo’s death, and he called for the matter to be properly investigated.

The reported death has added another layer to concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerians in South Africa, particularly where allegations involve security personnel.

Minister Femi Fani-Kayode said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by the reports surrounding the deaths of the two Nigerians.

He called on the South African government to take the safety of Nigerian nationals seriously and ensure that anyone found responsible for unlawful acts against them is brought to justice.

Fani-Kayode Condemns Attacks on Nigerians, Demands Justice

Minister Femi Fani-Kayode expressed concern that Nigerians living in South Africa were increasingly becoming fearful about their safety.

He alleged that Fakunle and Nwankwo were the seventh and eighth Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026.

He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and September 2026, with more than 30 of those deaths allegedly involving personnel of the South African Police Service and the South African Defence Force.

However, the figures cited by Minister Femi Fani-Kayode are his own claims and would require independent verification by the relevant authorities.

The former minister also expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of arrests, prosecutions and convictions in connection with previous cases involving the alleged killing of Nigerians.

“This is unacceptable,” he said, while calling on the South African government to protect Nigerians and ensure justice for those who have allegedly been subjected to violence, intimidation, torture or death.

He also stressed that nationality should never become a reason for someone to become a target.

“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” Minister Femi Fani-Kayode said.

Consulate Calls For Calm

While demanding action from the South African authorities, Nigeria’s Consulate General has urged Nigerians in the country not to respond to the latest developments with violence or actions that could put them at greater risk.

The Consulate appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of the September 30 deadline reportedly issued by the anti-migrant group March and March for foreigners to leave South Africa.

The Consulate said Nigerians should exercise caution while the government continues to engage with relevant authorities over their safety and welfare.

The diplomatic mission also reiterated its responsibility to oversee the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians in the country.

Growing Concern Over Anti-Migrant Tensions

The deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo have occurred at a time when tensions surrounding migration and the presence of foreign nationals in South Africa remain a major concern.

Minister Femi Fani-Kayode said the Nigerian community in South Africa was “deeply disturbed” by the latest developments and was living with anxiety over what could happen next.

He expressed concern over the reported September 30 deadline and alleged threats against African nationals.

He urged the South African government to protect Nigerians from threats and attacks and to take appropriate legal action against individuals or organisations found to be acting unlawfully.

The former minister also called for justice for Nigerians who had allegedly experienced violence, intimidation, torture or killing in the country.

Concern Over Nigeria-South Africa Relations

The latest incidents have also raised questions about the possible effect of continued attacks against Nigerians on relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Nigeria and South Africa maintain important diplomatic, economic and people-to-people ties, with large Nigerian communities living and working in South Africa.

Minister Femi Fani-Kayode said Nigeria remained interested in developing stronger relations with the South African government but warned that continued attacks against Nigerians could place additional pressure on those relations.

“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,” he said.

“Simply put, our patience is wearing thin.”

He also argued that Nigerians had not targeted or killed South Africans in Nigeria and urged South Africa to reciprocate by protecting Nigerian nationals and addressing their concerns.

Calls For Justice

For the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo, the immediate concern remains justice and answers surrounding the deaths of their loved ones.

The Nigerian Consulate has called for a thorough investigation into Fakunle’s killing and prosecution of the perpetrators.

Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has similarly called for accountability over both deaths and for the South African government to take concrete steps to protect Nigerians.

The Consulate extended its deepest condolences to Fakunle’s family and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Fani-Kayode also prayed for the souls of Fakunle and Nwankwo to rest in peace.

As investigations and official responses continue, the deaths have once again placed the safety of Nigerians in South Africa under intense scrutiny and strengthened calls for authorities to ensure that violence against foreign nationals does not go unanswered.

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