Two Nigerians killed amid xenophobic tensions in South Africa

Two Nigerians, James Nwankwo and Taiwo Fakunle, have been killed in South Africa amid escalating xenophobic and anti-immigration tensions, according to Peoples Gazette.

A statement signed by the Consul General of Nigeria in South Africa, Ninkanwa Okey-Uche, said Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on September 4, while Nwankwo was murdered a day later by South African Police Service personnel in Somerset West, Cape Town.

The consulate described the killings as raising concern over the safety of Nigerians in the country, further noting they suggest attempts to generalise law-abiding Nigerians as criminals.

It demanded thorough investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators, urging Nigerians to remain calm and security-conscious ahead of a September 30 deadline set by an anti-migrant group for foreigners to leave.