A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa, sparking outrage among Nigerians in the country.
Fakunle was reportedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, after two suspects allegedly gained access to his residence and opened fire on him.
According to preliminary information released by the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), the bishop was shot more than seven times in the attack.
NICASA President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, described the killing as a “horrific and senseless act of violence,” saying it had left Fakunle’s family, church community and Nigerians in South Africa devastated.
Fakunle, who hailed from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was described as a valued member of the Nigerian community.
“The continued loss of Nigerian lives through violent crime is deeply disturbing and cannot be allowed to become normal or treated as just another statistic,” Onyekwelu said.
NICASA called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent and credible investigation into the killing.
The association said a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station and that investigations were ongoing.
“We demand a thorough and credible investigation that will establish exactly what happened, identify all those responsible, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” Onyekwelu said.
He said the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg had been informed of the incident and urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities to remain engaged with South African officials and closely monitor the investigation.
According to NICASA, the association would pursue justice through all legitimate and lawful channels while ensuring that the case did not become another unresolved killing involving a Nigerian national.
“The family deserves answers. The Nigerian community deserves justice. Bishop Taiwo deserves justice,” Onyekwelu said.
He also appealed to Nigerians and community leaders across South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against retaliatory attacks or taking the law into their own hands.
NICASA extended its condolences to Fakunle’s immediate family, relatives, friends, church members, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the wider Nigerian community.
“Enough of the killings. Nigerian lives matter. Justice for Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle,” the association said.
