Two Nigerian nationals were killed in Johannesburg, South Africa, prompting Nigerian High Commissioner-designate Femi Fani-Kayode to demand justice. The victims, Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, were reportedly murdered by unknown assailants. Fani-Kayode has called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa. Earlier reports indicated that eight Nigerians were killed in the country since the start of 2026, with some cases linked to law enforcement. Fani-Kayode has previously raised alarms about the rising number of killings, accusing South African authorities of failing to hold perpetrators accountable.
Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives have condemned the killings, with the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) also expressing outrage. The organization released a statement condemning the violence and calling for urgent action. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations, with repeated calls for improved security and legal redress for victims.
Fani-Kayode’s latest appeal underscores the growing diplomatic pressure on South Africa to address the issue. The deaths have sparked renewed discussions about the safety of Nigerian communities abroad and the need for stronger bilateral cooperation.
