A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle, 58, was reportedly murdered on Friday, September 4, 2026, sparking outrage among Nigerians living in the country.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) condemned the killing and called on the South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, The Nation reports.
In a statement, NICASA President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the Nigerian community was “shocked, outraged and deeply saddened” by Fakunle’s death.
Onyekwelu said preliminary information indicated that two suspects gained access to the bishop’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
He said Fakunle, who hailed from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was more than a victim of violent crime, describing his death as a tragedy that had deeply affected the Nigerian community in South Africa.
“This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life,” Onyekwelu said.
NICASA called on the South African Police Service and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killing, identify those responsible and prosecute them.
The association said the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg had been informed of the incident.
It also confirmed that a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station and that investigations were ongoing.
Onyekwelu urged the South African authorities not to allow the case to become another unresolved killing involving a Nigerian national.
“The family deserves answers. The Nigerian community deserves justice. Bishop Taiwo deserves justice,” he said.
NICASA also called on Nigerian diplomatic officials in South Africa to continue engaging the South African authorities and monitor the progress of the investigation.
The association appealed to Nigerians across South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the community must not resort to taking the law into its own hands.
It also expressed condolences to Fakunle’s family, relatives, church members, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the wider Nigerian community.
“Enough of the killings. Nigerian lives matter. Justice for Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle,” Onyekwelu said.
