Pretoria, South Africa – In a strongly worded statement, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a grave warning to the South African government regarding the escalating violence against Nigerian citizens within its borders. The Commissioner emphasized that Nigeria’s patience is “wearing thin” in the face of persistent xenophobic attacks.
This warning follows the recent tragic deaths of two Nigerian citizens in Johannesburg. Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle was brutally murdered in his Kensington home on September 4th, reportedly after receiving prior threats. The following day, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo was killed during an incident involving officers of the South African Police Service.
High Commissioner Fani-Kayode expressed deep shock and mortification at these killings, particularly highlighting the pre-meditated nature of Bishop Fakunle’s murder. The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa has revealed that the cleric was shot multiple times after intruders gained access to his residence.
The Nigerian government’s firm stance underscores the growing concern over the safety and well-being of its citizens residing in South Africa. This diplomatic intervention signals a critical juncture in the relations between the two nations, urging immediate action to address and curb the ongoing xenophobic violence.
