Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the alleged killings of two Nigerian nationals in Johannesburg, South Africa, and called on the South African Government to strengthen the protection of Nigerians living in the country.

The concerns followed the reported killing of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle on September 4, allegedly after he had received a series of threats. According to the statement, his assailants reportedly went to his residence in Johannesburg and shot him dead.

Another Nigerian, identified as Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwor, was reportedly killed on September 5. The statement alleged that he died following what it described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.

The two deaths were described as particularly disturbing, with the statement claiming that Fakunle and Nwankwor were the seventh and eighth Nigerians murdered in South Africa in 2026.

It further alleged that at least four of the eight Nigerians killed this year died at the hands of South African police officers.

Beyond the latest incidents, the statement claimed that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and September 2026, with over 30 allegedly killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.

The statement expressed concern that, despite repeated complaints and expressions of concern over the killings, no individual had been arrested, prosecuted or brought to justice for any of the alleged crimes.

“This is unacceptable,” the statement declared, while urging the South African Government to take stronger measures to protect Nigerians and ensure that perpetrators of crimes against them are brought to justice.

It stressed that no individual should be targeted or killed simply because of their nationality.

The Nigerian community in South Africa was also said to be deeply concerned over the developments, with many reportedly living in fear of what could happen next. The Nigerian Mission in South Africa was similarly described as being disturbed by the situation.

Concern Over September 30 Deportation Deadline

The statement also raised concerns over a reported September 30 deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa.

According to the statement, the deadline was allegedly issued by some South African non-governmental organisations described as racist and xenophobic groups. It further alleged that some of the organisations had threatened African nationals who failed to comply.

The Nigerian side called on the South African Government to protect Nigerians from what it described as the excesses of such groups and to enforce the law against anyone threatening or intimidating foreign nationals.

It also urged the South African authorities to investigate allegations of torture, discrimination and killings involving Nigerians and ensure that those found responsible face justice.

While expressing a desire for stronger relations between Nigeria and South Africa, the statement warned that continued reports of discrimination and violence against Nigerians could have consequences.

It added that South Africans living in Nigeria were not subjected to similar targeted killings by Nigerians or Nigerian security agencies, arguing that the Nigerian Government expected the same level of protection and reciprocal treatment for its citizens in South Africa.