Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, according to NICASA and Nigerian diplomatic authorities.
By OptimumNewsNow…
September 11, 2026
A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa, with Nigerian authorities calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Fakunle, 58, was an indigene of Iye in the Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State. According to the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), the cleric was killed on September 4, 2026, after two unidentified suspects allegedly gained access to his residence and opened fire.
NICASA National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at Fakunle. The association subsequently notified the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg and said a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
The Nigerian Consulate has since condemned the killing and urged South African authorities to establish what happened and bring those responsible to justice. The mission also expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
According to the Consulate, there were concerns that the killing may have been targeted, with reports that the attackers allegedly traced Fakunle to his home before shooting him. The mission also said the residence was reportedly burgled after the attack.
NICASA has called for a credible investigation by the South African Police Service and urged Nigerian diplomatic officials to monitor the case closely.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the killing, and the identities of the suspects remain unknown.
The incident has renewed concerns within the Nigerian community in South Africa over violent attacks involving Nigerians. Both NICASA and the Nigerian diplomatic mission have appealed for calm while investigations continue.
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