Nigeria Reports Two Citizens Killed in South Africa Amid Migrant Tensions

Nigeria's Foreign Ministry has said two of its nationals were killed in South Africa, deepening friction between the two countries as anti-immigrant sentiment continues to flare.

One of the victims, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, died in Cape Town on September 5 after what the ministry described as "gruesome interrogation techniques" by South African police officers. The second, Taiwo Michael Fakunle, a bishop, was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4. The ministry's statement did not name any suspects or suggest a motive in Fakunle's death.

South African police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Oluwafemi Adeniyi said the killings "raise questions about the safety of foreigners in the country and the commitment of the South African authorities to curbing targeted attacks against foreigners." He also accused South African police of "exacerbating an already fragile situation."

On Friday, Nigeria's parliament indefinitely suspended official visits and engagements with South Africa.

The tensions follow a pattern of sporadic xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has long drawn migrants from across the continent, including many Nigerians, because of its relative wealth and opportunity. Protesters there blame foreigners for high unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The unrest has pushed thousands of migrants to leave and has strained diplomatic ties with other African nations.

In June, two Nigerians were killed during anti-migrant violence, two days before an unofficial deadline set by protesters for foreigners to leave. Nigeria said one was allegedly killed by police officers and the other by unidentified attackers.

Nigeria's minister of state for foreign affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said in July that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed since 2022 in mob attacks, hate-related violence and extrajudicial killings.