A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has allegedly been shot dead at his residence in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa has said.
The 58-year-old cleric was reportedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, at his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, after two suspected assailants allegedly gained access to the property.
According to NICASA, the attackers opened fire on Fakunle during the incident, with reports indicating that he sustained more than seven gunshot wounds.
The deceased, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was described by the association as another Nigerian victim of violent crime in South Africa.
NICASA National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, saying the incident had caused grief among Fakunle’s relatives, friends and members of the Nigerian community.
Onyekwelu said the association had informed the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg about the killing, while the matter had also been reported to the police at Jeppe Police Station, where a murder case was opened.
He called on the South African Police Service to establish the circumstances that led to the bishop’s death and track down those responsible for the alleged attack.
“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.
The association further urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities to remain engaged with South African investigators, follow developments in the case and ensure that the investigation is brought to a conclusion with justice served.