Fani-Kayode Alleges 90 Nigerians Killed in South Africa Since 2022

Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Femi Fani-Kayode, has strongly condemned the continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, alleging that at least 90 Nigerians have been killed since 2022.

Reacting to a video reportedly showing South African police officers placing a plastic bag over the head of a Nigerian and allegedly torturing him to death, Fani-Kayode described the incident as horrifying and unacceptable. He called on South African authorities to end what he described as Afrophobia, stressing that security agencies meant to protect lives should not be involved in the persecution of fellow Africans.
In a Facebook post, the envoy said he watched the secretly recorded video with shock, adding that hearing the victim’s screams while he was allegedly tortured deeply disturbed him. He maintained that the persecution, racial profiling, extra-judicial killings and targeting of Nigerians in South Africa must not continue, noting that Nigeria would no longer remain silent in the face of such incidents. He added that he conveyed his position during a meeting with South Africa’s Foreign Minister, insisting that the violence and hatred must stop.
Fani-Kayode further stated that he would not join those who speak negatively about Nigerians living abroad, insisting that every Nigerian life is valuable. According to him, no fewer than 90 Nigerians have been killed by what he described as Afrophobic groups, violent mobs, South African police officers and others since 2022, yet no suspect has been successfully prosecuted. He claimed that six Nigerians have been killed this year alone, including three allegedly killed by South African police, while those initially arrested were later released.
The ambassador also referred to another recent incident in Cape Town, where he alleged that a Nigerian was tortured to death by police inside his home, while another Nigerian was reportedly shot in the face with a rubber bullet for protesting the death of his friend. He stressed that such incidents must end if relations between Nigeria and South Africa are to improve.
Despite the concerns, Fani-Kayode said discussions with South African officials had produced a commitment to reduce tensions and strengthen bilateral relations. While describing the meeting as productive and a step in the right direction, he emphasized that concrete action, rather than promises, would determine meaningful progress.