Former aviation minister says Nigeria’s patience is wearing thin as he demands action over the deaths of two Nigerians in Johannesburg…..
Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned the recent killings of two Nigerians in South Africa, warning that there could be “consequences” if attacks on Nigerians in the country continue.
Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo were reportedly killed in separate incidents in Johannesburg earlier this month.
In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, Fani-Kayode said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by the death of Fakunle, who he said was shot at his home on September 4 after allegedly receiving threats.
He also raised concerns over the death of Nwankwo, who reportedly died on September 5 following an encounter with officers of the South African Police Service.
Fani-Kayode alleged that Nwankwo’s death followed what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by South African police.
According to the former minister, the two men are the seventh and eighth Nigerians to have been killed in South Africa this year.
He further alleged that four of the eight deaths involved South African police officers.
Fani-Kayode also claimed that more than 100 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022, with over 30 allegedly dying at the hands of members of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.
He criticised what he described as the lack of accountability over the killings, saying none of those responsible had been arrested, prosecuted or brought to justice.
“This is unacceptable,” he said, urging the South African government to step up efforts to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure that those responsible for attacks are held accountable.
“No-one deserves to be targetted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” Fani-Kayode said.
He added that the latest developments had left members of the Nigerian community in South Africa deeply concerned about their safety.
The former minister also expressed concern over an alleged September 30 deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa.
He described the groups behind the reported ultimatum as “racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic” organisations and accused them of threatening African nationals who fail to comply.
Fani-Kayode called on the South African government to intervene and protect Nigerians and other African nationals from what he described as intimidation and violence.
He also warned that continued attacks could affect relations between both countries.
“Whilst we seek to establish stronger and deeper ties with the South African Government one thing remains clear. If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals do not stop there will be consequences,” he said.
“Simply put our patience is wearing thin.”
He contrasted the situation with the treatment of South Africans in Nigeria, arguing that South African nationals were not being targeted and killed by Nigerians or Nigerian security forces.
“The least the South African Government can do is to reciprocate this gesture, protect our nationals and address our legitimate concerns,” he said.
Fani-Kayode’s comments come amid growing concern in Nigeria over the safety of its citizens in South Africa.
The National Assembly recently suspended all official visits to the country and directed lawmakers, committees, officials and staff to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities.
The move followed reports of persistent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
