The Nigerian Consul in Johannesburg has confirmed that three more Nigerian nationals were killed in South Africa in separate incidents within just four days, according to a statement by former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode. The deaths occurred on September 18, 20, and 21, 2026, and were reported to Fani-Kayode by the Consul-General, who issued a formal press statement with full details of each case.
Fani-Kayode made the disclosure on Monday, September 29, 2026, via his X (formerly Twitter) account, posting the Consul-General's statement alongside his own message. The announcement brings the total number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa this year to 12, a figure that underscores the ongoing threat faced by Nigerian nationals in the country.
Rising Death Toll Since 2022
The latest killings highlight a broader and more alarming pattern. Since 2022, a total of 112 Nigerians have been murdered in South Africa. Of that number, 32 were killed by members of the South African security forces. Despite the scale of these deaths, not a single person has been prosecuted or convicted in connection with any of the killings, according to the information shared by Fani-Kayode.
This lack of accountability has fueled frustration among Nigerian officials and the diaspora community. Fani-Kayode's statement specifically noted the absence of convictions, calling it a troubling indicator of the justice system's failure to address violence against Nigerians.
Appeal for Justice and Protection
In his statement, Fani-Kayode condemned the killings and appealed directly to South African authorities. He wrote: "I condemn these killings and once again I appeal to the South African authorities to bring those that are responsible for them to justice and to protect our people. May the souls of those that were so callously murdered rest in peace and may the Lord comfort their families and loved ones."
The appeal places renewed pressure on both Nigerian and South African officials to confront what has become a recurring pattern of violence against Nigerian nationals on South African soil. Fani-Kayode specifically called for the protection of Nigerians still living in the country, as well as accountability for those responsible for past killings.
Consulate's Response and Next Steps
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has not yet issued a separate public statement beyond what the Consul-General shared with Fani-Kayode. The Consul-General's press statement, which was posted in full on Fani-Kayode's X account, is currently the primary official communication on the matter.
The disclosure adds to a series of violent incidents involving Nigerians in South Africa, including mass shootings that have claimed multiple lives. The Nigerian government has yet to announce any formal diplomatic measures in response to the latest deaths, but the rising toll and lack of convictions are likely to intensify calls for action from both officials and the public.
