General News
Nigeria Seeks Justice Over Nigerians’ Deaths in South Africa
The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and called for thorough, transparent and expedited investigations into the incidents.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government said Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was murdered at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4, while James Uchechukwu Nwankwo allegedly died following interrogation by South African police officers in Cape Town the following day.
The Federal Government expressed concern that the deaths occurred amid recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting foreigners, particularly Africans, in South Africa.
It also raised concerns over the alleged conduct of South African police officers, stressing that law enforcement personnel responsible for protecting lives and property should not worsen the situation.
The Federal Government called on relevant South African authorities to immediately investigate the deaths, identify those responsible and ensure their prosecution. It noted that Nigeria had already raised the issue of recurring attacks against foreigners with ECOWAS and the African Union.
It reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with South Africa but said it was considering other concrete measures to secure greater cooperation from the South African authorities and enhance the protection of Nigerians in the country.
Recently, the Nigerian National Assembly in a statement said it has suspended parliamentary engagements with South Africa.