The Federal Government has demanded thorough and transparent investigations into the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The victims, identified as Bishop Michael Fakunle and James Nwankwo, reportedly died in separate incidents in South Africa within two days.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ekiti State, was allegedly shot dead by unknown persons at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4. The incident reportedly occurred after he had received threats.
Nwankwo, meanwhile, reportedly died on September 5 following what has been described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by officers of the South African Police Service.
Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the two deaths brought to seven and eight the number of Nigerians allegedly murdered in South Africa this year.
According to Fani-Kayode, four of the eight Nigerians were allegedly killed by South African police officers.
He further stated that more than 100 Nigerian nationals had been murdered in South Africa between 2022 and the present, with more than 30 allegedly killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and Defence Force.
The latest deaths have also triggered a response from Nigeria’s National Assembly, which suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed its members to boycott legislative activities hosted by South African authorities.
However, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the country had not received official communication on the decision by the National Assembly.
Lamola added that, at that stage, the decision did not affect bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The Federal Government, while expressing shock over the deaths, called for comprehensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
The development comes amid longstanding concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, with the latest cases likely to further test diplomatic relations between the two countries.
