The Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, announced on Monday that three more Nigerians had been killed in South Africa, bringing the total number of Nigerians murdered this year to at least 12. The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde, and Christian Nnaemeka. According to the Nigerian consulate in South Africa, their deaths were linked to encounters with violent police officials and private actors.
The Nigerian consulate provided details on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the three victims. Kenechukwu Igwemmadu allegedly jumped to his death while trying to escape police harassment and brutality in Bloemfontein on September 18. Olaniyi Olatunde was shot by an unidentified South African at a club in Pretoria two days later, and Christian Nnaemeka was tortured to death by a rogue group allegedly led by a South African politician, Xolani Khumalo, in Primrose on September 21.
The Nigerian consulate condemned the murders, describing them as "deeply troubling" and expressing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa. The consulate's accounts of the murders suggest that police officials are allegedly responsible for most of the Nigerians killed since the latest wave of xenophobic violence started earlier this year. Ambassador Fani-Kayode previously estimated that state officials have killed at least five Nigerians in recent months.
Ambassador Fani-Kayode expressed outrage over the lack of progress in investigating the previous deaths, with no arrests made and no one brought to justice. He pointed out that 112 Nigerians have been killed since 2022, with 32 of the victims being killed by members of the South African security forces. "Not one person has been brought to justice or convicted for ANY of these crimes," he declared.
The ambassador appealed to the South African authorities to bring those responsible for the killings to justice and to protect Nigerians in the country. The Nigerian government has been monitoring the situation closely, and the ambassador's comments highlight the growing concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa. The incidents have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action to address the xenophobic violence.
The killings have also raised questions about the pattern of targeting Nigerians in South Africa. The Nigerian consulate noted that the recent deaths, coming in quick succession, raise concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country. The incidents have sparked fears of further violence and attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
The situation remains volatile, with the harassment and torture of Nigerians continuing. The Nigerian government and the international community have called for calm and urged the South African authorities to take action to protect foreign nationals and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- The death toll of Nigerians killed in South Africa this year has risen to 12, according to the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa.
- The Nigerian consulate has condemned the murders, describing them as "deeply troubling" and expressing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
- Ambassador Fani-Kayode has appealed to the South African authorities to bring those responsible for the killings to justice and to protect Nigerians in the country.
