Another Two Nigerians Killed In Xenophobic Violence In South Africa

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in separate incidents of xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa.

Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the ministry’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, identifying the victims as Taiwo Fakunle and James Nwankwo.

According to him, Fakunle was killed at his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4.

Nwankwo died the following day in Somerset, Cape Town, after allegedly being subjected to a “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.

The latest incidents occurred about two months after two other Nigerians were reportedly killed during renewed anti-migrant violence in the country.

There has also been a rise in attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, with some incidents involving the destruction of property.

The foreign affairs ministry said the repeated deaths have raised concerns about the efforts of South African authorities to protect foreigners from targeted attacks.

It expressed particular concern over allegations involving law enforcement officers and the use of “unacceptable interrogation techniques”, which have reportedly led to the deaths of foreigners.

Nigeria also criticised South Africa for not signing a proposed memorandum of understanding aimed at creating an early warning system.

The mechanism was agreed upon during bilateral discussions between both countries to help prevent attacks and improve cooperation.

The Nigerian government urged South African authorities to carry out full and transparent investigations into the deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo.

It also demanded that anyone found responsible be identified and prosecuted.

The ministry said the government was considering additional steps to secure greater cooperation from South Africa after previous diplomatic efforts failed to resolve the recurring problem.

Among the options being considered is raising the issue of repeated xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans at the ECOWAS level and before the African Union.

Also on Friday, the National Assembly announced the suspension of all legislative engagements with South Africa in protest against the continued attacks on Nigerians in the country.

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