A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has allegedly been killed at his residence in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa made this known in a statement issued by its National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, on Thursday.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in the Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was reportedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, at his home in the Kensington area of Johannesburg.
According to Onyekwelu, two suspects allegedly gained entry into the cleric’s residence before opening fire on him.
He said Fakunle was reportedly shot more than seven times during the attack, describing the incident as a devastating loss to the victim’s family, friends and the Nigerian community in South Africa.
Onyekwelu condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act of violence and expressing concern over the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime in the country.
He said, “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.”
The NICASA president said the association had reported the incident to the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, while a murder case had also been opened at the Jeppe Police Station.
He urged the South African Police Service and other relevant authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“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.
NICASA also called on Nigerian diplomatic officials in South Africa to maintain contact with the relevant South African authorities and closely monitor the investigation until the perpetrators are brought to justice.