A Nigerian bishop, Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle, 58, was reportedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, after two assailants allegedly gained access to his home and opened fire on him.
The bishop, who hailed from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, reportedly sustained more than seven gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
His killing has sparked outrage among Nigerians living in South Africa, with the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa condemning the incident and demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
NICASA President General, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the circumstances surrounding the killing had left Fakunle’s family, church community and the wider Nigerian community devastated.
Onyekwelu described the killing as a horrific and senseless act, saying it had robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life.
He said NICASA had notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg about the incident, while a murder case had been opened at the Jeppe Police Station.
The association called on the South African Police Service and forensic investigators to conduct a thorough and credible investigation to establish what happened, identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.
NICASA also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to closely monitor the investigation and maintain contact with the relevant South African authorities until justice is secured.
The killing has heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where community leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about violent attacks and other threats facing their nationals.
NICASA urged Nigerians to remain calm and pursue justice through lawful channels, stressing that Fakunle’s death must not become another unresolved case.
