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The Federal Government has condemned the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and called for a thorough, transparent and swift investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made its position known in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, in Abuja at the weekend.
The statement followed the reported deaths of Bishop Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in separate incidents in South Africa.
According to the ministry, Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, while Nwankwo died the following day in Somerset, Cape Town.
The Federal Government expressed concern over the incidents, particularly against the backdrop of recurring reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks affecting foreigners, especially Africans, in South Africa.
Nigeria said the latest deaths had raised fresh concerns about the safety of its citizens and other foreigners in the country, as well as the commitment of South African authorities to preventing attacks against them.
“It is extremely worrisome that law enforcement agents, saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and property, are exacerbating an already fragile situation by resorting to unacceptable interrogation techniques that have frequently led to the deaths of foreigners,” the ministry said.
Nigeria therefore urged the relevant South African authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the two deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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The ministry stressed that the matter should receive the urgency and attention required, adding that Nigeria remained committed to using diplomatic engagement to address concerns surrounding xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa.
The government also raised concern over the failure to fully implement a proposed mechanism designed to enable both countries to respond to emerging threats against their citizens.
It said Nigeria had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Early Warning Mechanism, which emerged from bilateral discussions between the two countries, but South Africa was yet to sign the agreement.
The Federal Government further recalled that Nigeria had formally raised the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa before the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
It added that the matter had also been presented as a formal complaint before the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Nigeria said it was considering additional measures to secure greater cooperation from South African authorities in addressing the issue.
The Federal Government extended its condolences to the families of Fakunle and Nwankwo, as well as their friends and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa, and prayed for strength for those affected by their deaths.
