By Afolayan Sunday
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation over the brutal killings of two more Nigerian nationals in South Africa, calling for an immediate, transparent, and comprehensive investigation.
The latest incidents have reignited severe concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals living in South Africa.
According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, the victims have been identified as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, who was murdered in a targeted attack at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who died in Somerset, Cape Town, following severe complications allegedly resulting from “gruesome interrogation techniques” deployed by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The Federal Government condemned the deaths and called on relevant South African authorities to immediately commence thorough, transparent and expeditious investigations into the circumstances surrounding the two incidents. It said those responsible should be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“Nigeria views these incidents with grave concern and condemns the killings of Bishop Fakunle and Mr Nwankwo in the strongest terms possible.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria calls on the relevant South African authorities to immediately commence thorough and transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the two killings, with a view to ensuring that those responsible for the murder are identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement read in part.
The government said the deaths were particularly concerning because they occurred amid recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners, particularly Africans, in South Africa. It also expressed concern over the alleged role of law enforcement agents and what it described as unacceptable interrogation techniques.
Nigeria said it has consistently engaged South Africa through diplomatic channels to address xenophobia and Afrophobia. Both countries had agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Early Warning Mechanism, although Nigeria has signed the agreement while South Africa is yet to do so.
Nigeria has formally raised recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks before the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.
The government said the latest deaths had raised further concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
Nigeria is considering other concrete measures to secure greater cooperation from South African authorities on the issue.
The Federal Government expressed condolences to the families, friends and wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
Recall also that the National Assembly on Friday suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees, officials and staff to boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative engagements until further notice.
The parliamentary action followed reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon businesses, homes and properties during recurring xenophobic attacks.
