Nigerian Bishop Shot Dead at His Johannesburg Residence

A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has reportedly been shot dead by suspected gunmen at his residence in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was allegedly attacked at his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday, September 4, 2026.

According to the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), the cleric was attacked after two men reportedly gained access to his residence.

He was allegedly shot several times, with reports indicating that he sustained more than seven gunshot wounds during the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the killing have sparked concern among members of the Nigerian community in South Africa, particularly over the safety of Nigerians living and working in the country.

NICASA National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the killing as disturbing and devastating to Fakunle’s family, friends and the wider Nigerian community.

Onyekwelu said the incident had further heightened concerns about the security of Nigerians residing in South Africa, stressing that the death represented another tragic loss of a Nigerian life.

Following the incident, NICASA said it notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg and engaged the relevant authorities. A murder case has also reportedly been opened at the Jeppe Police Station for investigation.

The association called on the South African Police Service to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the killing, identify the perpetrators and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

“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,” Onyekwelu said.

NICASA also appealed to Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to maintain close communication with the police and other relevant agencies handling the case.

The association urged Nigerian officials to monitor the investigation closely and ensure that the matter is pursued to its logical conclusion so that justice can be secured for the deceased bishop and his family.

The killing has once again raised questions about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa and the need for stronger collaboration between Nigerian diplomatic authorities, community organisations and South African security agencies in protecting Nigerian citizens.

As investigations continue, the Nigerian community is awaiting further information from the South African authorities regarding the circumstances of the attack and the identity of those responsible for the bishop’s death.

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