‘Our Patience Wearing Thin’ — Fani-Kayode Asks South Africa to Act Over Killings of Nigerians

Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s high commissioner to South Africa, has asked the country’s government to act, following the recent killings of two Nigerian nationals in Johannesburg.

Fani-Kayode, in a statement posted on X on Friday, said Michael Fakunle was shot dead at his home in Johannesburg on September 4 after allegedly receiving a series of threats.

He also alleged that James Nwankwo died on September 5 following “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Johannesburg.

Fani-Kayode said the two deaths brought the number of Nigerians allegedly murdered in South Africa this year to eight.

He claimed that four of the eight Nigerians were killed by South African police officers.

“Outside of that, over 100 Nigerian nationals have been murdered in South Africa between 2022 and today and over 30 of them were killed by officers of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force,” he said.

Fani-Kayode said no arrests, prosecutions or convictions had resulted from the killings despite repeated expressions of concern by Nigerian authorities.

“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for ANY of these heinous crimes. This is unacceptable,” the high commissioner added.

He called on the South African government to strengthen measures to protect Nigerians in the country and ensure that those responsible for attacks against them are brought to justice.

“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he said.

Fani-Kayode said the Nigerian community in South Africa is “deeply disturbed” by the developments and living in fear of further attacks.

CONCERNS OVER SEPTEMBER 30 DEADLINE

Fani-Kayode also raised concerns over the new September 30 deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa.

According to him, the deadline was issued by South African non-governmental organisations which he accused of racism and xenophobia.

He alleged that some of the groups had threatened to target and harm African nationals who failed to comply.

Fani-Kayode urged the South African government to protect Nigerians from such groups and enforce the law against those issuing threats.

He said Nigeria would continue to seek stronger relations with South Africa but warned that continued attacks against Nigerians could have consequences.

“Whilst we seek to establish stronger and deeper ties with the South African Government one thing remains clear. If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals do not stop there will be consequences. Simply put our patience is wearing thin,” the high commissioner said.

Fani-Kayode also said South Africans were not subjected to similar attacks by Nigerians or Nigerian security forces.

“The least the South African Government can do is to reciprocate this gesture, protect our nationals and address our legitimate concerns,” he said.

He expressed condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo.

“May the souls of Bishop Taiwo Fakunle and Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwor rest in peace,” he said.