A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, 58, has been killed in Johannesburg, South Africa, in a shooting that has sparked outrage among members of the Nigerian community in the country.
Fakunle was reportedly shot dead last Friday, September 4, 2026, at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) condemned the killing, describing it as a horrific and senseless act of violence that has left the victim’s family, church community and Nigerians in South Africa devastated.
In a statement, NICASA President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the association was “shocked, outraged and deeply saddened” by the bishop’s death.
According to Onyekwelu, preliminary information indicated that two suspects gained access to Fakunle’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
Fakunle, who hailed from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was described by NICASA as a valued member of the Nigerian community whose death had sent shock waves across South Africa.
“We condemn this barbaric killing in the strongest possible terms. Enough is enough,” 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.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing are ongoing.
NICASA called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, credible and transparent investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that they are 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.
The association also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to maintain close contact with the South African authorities and monitor the investigation until justice is secured.
“The family deserves answers. The Nigerian community deserves justice. Bishop Taiwo deserves justice,” he said.
NICASA warned against allowing the case to go cold, stressing that the killing of Nigerians through violent crime must not become routine or be reduced to another statistic.
The association, however, appealed to Nigerians across South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them not to take the law into their own hands.
“We will pursue justice through every legitimate and lawful channel available to us,” Onyekwelu said.
NICASA extended its condolences to Fakunle’s immediate family, relatives, friends, church members, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the wider Nigerian community.
“May the soul of Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle rest in perfect peace,” the association said.
“Enough of the killings. Nigerian lives matter. Justice for Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle.”