The Federal Government has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa, warning that those found responsible must be held accountable.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, said Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, while James Uchechukwu Nwankwo died in Somerset, Cape Town, the following day after allegedly being subjected to “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.

The government described the two incidents as deeply troubling, particularly against the backdrop of longstanding concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa.

Nigeria called on the relevant South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, identify those responsible and ensure that they face justice under the law.

The Federal Government expressed particular concern over allegations involving law enforcement officers, stressing that personnel charged with protecting lives and property must not be associated with actions that result in the death of a Nigerian national.

The ministry said the latest incidents had renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa and raised questions about the effectiveness of efforts to curb xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Nigeria recalled that it had repeatedly engaged South Africa on the issue and had pursued the establishment of an Early Warning Mechanism under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding. However, the ministry said that although Nigeria had signed the agreement, South Africa was yet to do so.

The government also disclosed that it had taken the issue of recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa before the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the African Union Assembly.

It said it was now considering “other concrete measures” to secure the cooperation of the South African authorities in addressing the latest incidents.

While reaffirming its commitment to resolving bilateral disputes through constructive dialogue, Nigeria stressed that diplomatic engagement must translate into concrete measures to safeguard Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The ministry extended condolences to the families and associates of Fakunle and Nwankwo, as well as the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.