The Federal Government has condemned the killing of two Nigerians in South Africa and demanded immediate investigations into the deaths amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners in the country.
Politics Nigeria reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, identified the deceased as Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo.
Fakunle was reportedly murdered in his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, 2026, while Nwankwo was allegedly killed following what the Nigerian government described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service in Sommerset, Cape Town, on September 5.
The Nigerian government said the deaths were particularly disturbing given the prevailing concerns over violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
It condemned the killings “in the strongest terms possible” and called on the relevant South African authorities to immediately commence thorough and transparent investigations.
The government said those responsible must be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“These killings, happening at a time when foreigners, particularly Africans, are grappling with the devastating impacts of widespread xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, raise questions about the safety of foreigners in the country and the commitment of the South African authorities to curbing targeted attacks against foreigners,” the statement said.
The Federal Government also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of law enforcement personnel in the death of Nwankwo, arguing that security agencies saddled with protecting lives and property should not aggravate an already fragile situation.
It further said Nigeria had consistently pursued constructive dialogue with South Africa to address xenophobia and Afrophobia but expressed concern that an agreed Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Early Warning Mechanism, which Nigeria had signed, was yet to be signed by South Africa.
The government recalled that Nigeria had formally raised recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa before the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.
It added that, following those diplomatic steps, it was considering “other concrete measures” to secure the cooperation of South African authorities in addressing the situation.
The latest condemnation came barely a day after the National Assembly suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees, officials and staff to boycott legislative activities organised or hosted by South African authorities until further notice.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, to communicate the decision to all senators, members, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff.
The National Assembly said it was particularly disturbed by reports that Nigerians had been killed, injured and displaced, with some allegedly forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties.
It also faulted the continued violence despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to strengthen protection for Nigerians and other foreign nationals and prosecute perpetrators.
The suspension covers official visits, conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative engagements organised, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by the South African Parliament or other legislative authorities in the country.