ABUJA — The Federal Government has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents in South Africa, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, identified the deceased as Taiwo Fakunle and James Nwankwo.
According to the ministry, Fakunle was murdered at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, while Nwankwo reportedly died the following day in Somerset, Cape Town, allegedly after being subjected to what the ministry described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service, SAPS.
The Federal Government expressed serious concern over the circumstances surrounding the two deaths and called on South African authorities to conduct thorough, transparent and impartial investigations.
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It further demanded that anyone found responsible for the deaths be identified and brought to justice.
The ministry expressed particular concern over the alleged involvement of police officers in Nwankwo’s death, describing the reported interrogation methods as “unacceptable.”
The latest incidents have further heightened concerns over recurring attacks involving Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
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The Federal Government noted that the two deaths occurred just two months after two other Nigerians were killed in the country, amid renewed tensions and reported attacks against foreign nationals.
According to the ministry, the recurring incidents extend beyond loss of life, with reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, as well as the destruction of property belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals.
The government said the pattern of incidents was raising questions about the effectiveness of measures being taken by South African authorities to prevent attacks against foreigners and protect their rights and lives.
Nigeria also expressed disappointment over South Africa’s failure to sign a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of an early warning mechanism, which had reportedly been agreed upon during previous bilateral discussions between the two countries.
The proposed mechanism was intended to strengthen cooperation and provide early warnings about potential attacks against Nigerians and other vulnerable foreign nationals.
The Federal Government said it was now considering “other concrete measures” to secure greater cooperation from South Africa, following what it described as previous diplomatic efforts.
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Among the options reportedly being considered is taking the recurring cases of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans before regional and continental bodies.
The ministry said Nigeria could raise the matter before the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS as well as the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The development also comes as the National Assembly on Friday suspended all legislative engagements with South Africa, citing continued attacks against Nigerians in the country.
The latest diplomatic and legislative actions signal growing frustration in Nigeria over the safety of its citizens in South Africa.
Despite the escalating concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the lives, rights and interests of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Authorities are now expected to closely monitor developments and engage their South African counterparts over investigations into the deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo.
The Federal Government’s latest position could further put pressure on South African authorities to provide clear answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths and demonstrate concrete steps towards preventing further attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
Cruise TV News will continue to monitor the situation and bring you updates as they emerge.
