The Nigerian government has confirmed that two Nigerian nationals have been killed in South Africa amid renewed anti-migrant tensions and growing concerns over attacks against foreigners.
The victims were identified as James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, according to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their deaths have raised fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
Nwankwo died following what Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” allegedly used by South African police in Cape Town on September 5. Fakunle, meanwhile, was killed at his home in Johannesburg on September 4. Authorities have not identified suspects or established a motive in Fakunle’s death.
The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly at a time when anti-foreigner sentiment is increasing in parts of South Africa.
South Africa has experienced recurring anti-migrant protests in recent years, with some groups accusing foreigners of taking jobs, contributing to crime and putting additional pressure on public services. Nigerians and other African migrants have frequently been affected by such tensions.
The latest incidents have added further pressure to relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria’s National Assembly recently announced the indefinite suspension of official visits and legislative engagements with South Africa because of continuing anti-migrant violence. The decision includes a boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities.
The parliamentary action does not amount to a complete diplomatic break between the two countries. Nigeria and South Africa maintain important economic, political and diplomatic ties, with businesses from both countries operating across several sectors.
However, the repeated deaths of Nigerians in South Africa have become a major concern for Nigerian authorities.
According to Nigerian officials, 98 Nigerians have died in South Africa since 2022 in incidents involving mob attacks, hate-related violence and alleged extrajudicial killings. Nigeria has also voluntarily evacuated 1,695 Nigerians from South Africa in 2026 amid the worsening tensions.
The developments have also affected ordinary Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa. Many Nigerian-owned businesses operate in the country’s retail, hospitality, technology and other sectors, making security an important concern for both individuals and businesses.
South African authorities have faced pressure to protect foreign nationals and prevent attacks linked to anti-migrant sentiment. Nigeria has similarly called for greater protection of its citizens and accountability where Nigerians are victims of violence.
The latest deaths come after months of anti-foreigner protests across South Africa. The protests have contributed to displacement, with many migrants leaving the country because of concerns about their safety.
The situation could also have wider implications for relations between two of Africa’s largest economies. Nigeria and South Africa have historically maintained strong diplomatic and commercial ties, but repeated incidents involving Nigerian citizens have periodically created tension between both governments.
Nigerian officials are expected to continue engaging South African authorities over the safety of Nigerians and the circumstances surrounding the latest deaths.
The government has also urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as authorities monitor the situation.
The killings have once again placed the issue of xenophobia and the treatment of African migrants at the centre of discussions about Nigeria-South Africa relations.
For Nigeria, the immediate priority remains obtaining justice for the two victims and ensuring that Nigerians living in South Africa can carry out their legitimate activities without fear of violence.
