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A 58-year-old Nigerian bishop, Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been murdered at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle, who hailed from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was reportedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) condemned the killing, describing it as a horrific and senseless act that has left the Nigerian community in shock.
In a statement, NICASA President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said preliminary information indicated that two suspects gained access to the bishop’s residence and opened fire on him.
He said Fakunle was reportedly shot more than seven times during the attack.
Onyekwelu said the killing had heightened concerns among Nigerians in South Africa over the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime.
“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,” he said.
NICASA called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, credible and transparent investigation into the murder.
The association demanded that the perpetrators be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“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 disclosed that the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg had been informed of the incident, while a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
NICASA also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to continue engaging with the relevant South African authorities and monitor the investigation until justice is served.
“The family deserves answers. The Nigerian community deserves justice. Bishop Taiwo deserves justice,” Onyekwelu said.
The association appealed to the South African authorities not to allow the case to go cold or become another unresolved killing involving a Nigerian national.
NICASA further urged Nigerians and community leaders across South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against taking the law into their own hands.
The association expressed condolences to Fakunle’s family, relatives, friends, church community, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the wider Nigerian community.
“Enough of the killings. Nigerian lives matter. Justice for Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle,” Onyekwelu said.
