Nigeria's Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has said the families of the three Nigerians killed in South Africa deserve answers.
In a statement, the ambassador said the three Nigerians died between September 18 and 21. He identified them as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died in Bloemfontein; Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, who died in Pretoria; and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died in Primrose.
"These deaths occurred in different circumstances. One followed an alleged encounter with police. One was a shooting after a dispute in a nightclub. One followed an alleged encounter with a private crew associated with Mr Xolani Khumalo. They should not be treated as one incident. They should each be investigated to the end," Fani-Kayode said.
The ambassador also renewed Nigeria's request for a progress report on the killing of Emeka Clement Uzor on February 9, a case in which no arrest has been reported to the Nigerian Mission.
He said 12 Nigerian deaths have been recorded this year, and 112 since 2022, lamenting that the pattern of unresolved cases is a diplomatic problem.
He said, "Nigeria’s ask is limited and lawful: open or confirm a docket in each case; identify the investigating officer; complete post-mortems and witness statements; where police conduct is alleged, refer the matter to the independent investigator; prosecute whoever the evidence names.
"I have directed our Mission to request these updates in writing. Nigeria will protect its nationals. It will also proceed by evidence, due process and respect for the sovereignty and people of South Africa. That is how justice is won and that is how two brotherly African states should treat each other.
"Regardless of these challenges, our historical bridge of fraternity, friendship and solidarity must never be broken."
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