By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Nigerian bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle has been shot dead by two unidentified assailants at his residence in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The 58-year-old cleric was killed on Friday, 4 September, 2026, in Kensington after the attackers reportedly gained access to his home and shot him more than seven times before fleeing the scene.
Fakunle, who hailed from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, had lived in South Africa for nearly two decades, where he served his congregation and built his ministry.
He died at the scene, leaving his family, congregation and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa devastated.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) announced his death and condemned the killing as a senseless act of violence.
NICASA National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the incident had left the bishop’s family and congregation deeply traumatised.
“This was not merely an ordinary loss of life. It has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life,” Onyekwelu said.
Following the attack, NICASA notified the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg and lodged an official report.
A murder case was registered at Jeppe Police Station, prompting an investigation into the circumstances and motive for the shooting.
Onyekwelu urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) and forensic investigators to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, identify those responsible and bring them 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 to face the full might of the law,” he said.
NICASA also called on Nigerian diplomatic officials in South Africa to monitor the investigation closely and ensure that the case receives appropriate attention.
