Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has raised fresh concerns over the alleged killing of Nigerians by South African security personnel, claiming that more than 30 Nigerians have been killed by officials of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force since 2022.
Fani-Kayode, in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, also alleged that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa within the same period, including eight in 2026.
He said at least four of the eight Nigerians reportedly killed this year were allegedly murdered by South African police officers.
The ambassador’s allegations come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and threats against African migrants, particularly Nigerians, in South Africa.
According to him, the situation has reached a point where the Nigerian government could no longer remain indifferent.
“Nigeria’s patience is running thin,” Fani-Kayode declared.
He said the latest deaths had further heightened concerns within the Nigerian community and the diplomatic mission in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode’s statement followed reports of the deaths of two more Nigerians — James Nwankwo and Taiwo Fakunle — bringing the reported number of Nigerian deaths in South Africa in 2026 to eight.
Nwankwo was reportedly killed by officials of the South African Police Service in Somerset West, Cape Town, on September 5.
Fani-Kayode alleged that Nwankwo died following what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by South African police officers.
The second victim, identified as Taiwo Fakunle, was reportedly shot at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4.
Fani-Kayode described Fakunle as a bishop and alleged that his killers had issued threats before going to his home and shooting him.
The identity of the assailants remained unknown as of the time of the ambassador’s statement.
The ambassador expressed concern over what he described as the absence of arrests, prosecutions or other forms of accountability in connection with the deaths.
“What is most disturbing is the fact that despite 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,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also disclosed that another deadline had allegedly been issued by groups demanding that black foreigners leave South Africa.
He said the latest demand followed an earlier June 30 deadline that had reportedly generated tension and protests in parts of the country.
According to him, the groups behind the latest ultimatum were “brazenly racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic” and had allegedly threatened Nigerians and other African nationals who failed to comply.
He said the development had left members of the Nigerian community in South Africa “deeply disturbed”, with many living in fear over what could happen next.
“The Nigerian community in South Africa is deeply disturbed by these developments and lives in trepidation of what could happen next. So is the Nigerian Mission in South Africa,” he said.
The ambassador called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living legally in the country and take decisive action against groups allegedly threatening migrants.
He urged the South African authorities to “apply the full weight of the law” against individuals or groups engaging in xenophobic activities.
Fani-Kayode warned that continued attacks against Nigerians could further strain relations between the two countries.
He argued that Nigerians and South Africans had historically maintained strong social, economic and diplomatic ties, insisting that the safety of Nigerian citizens in South Africa should be treated as a matter of urgency.
“South Africans are not targeted and killed in Nigeria by our people or our security forces,” he said.
He added:“The least the South African Government can do is to reciprocate this gesture, protect our nationals and address our legitimate concerns.”
The renewed controversy comes against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where African migrants have periodically faced attacks, intimidation and calls for their removal.
Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi are among African countries that have previously repatriated citizens from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.
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