A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been killed in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Fakunle, 58, was reportedly killed last Friday, September 4, 2026, at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.

His murder has sparked outrage among Nigerians in South Africa, with the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) condemning t in strong terms.

In a statement, NICASA President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the Nigerian community was shocked, outraged and deeply saddened by the bishop’s death.

Onyekwelu said preliminary information indicated that two suspects gained access to Fakunle’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.

He said the killing of Fakunle, who hailed from Iye, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was more than an ordinary loss of life, describing it as a tragedy that had deeply affected the Nigerian community in South Africa.

Onyekwelu vowed that NICASA would pursue justice through every legitimate and lawful channel available.

The association called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

“We therefore make a strong and unequivocal call on the South African Police Service and every relevant government authority to pursue this matter with the highest level of urgency, professionalism and transparency.

“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 stressed, “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.

“NICASA condemns this barbaric killing in the strongest possible terms. Enough is enough.

“The continued loss of Nigerian lives through violent crime is deeply disturbing and cannot be allowed to become normal or treated as just another statistic. Every Nigerian life is valuable, and every murder deserves justice.”

Onyekwelu said the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has been informed of the tragic incident.

We also note that a murder case has been opened at Jeppe Police Station, and investigations are currently ongoing.

We therefore make a strong and unequivocal call on the South African Police Service and every relevant government authority to pursue this matter with the highest level of urgency, professionalism and transparency.

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 added, “The family deserves answers. The Nigerian community deserves justice. Bishop Taiwo deserves justice.

“NICASA further called on the Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to continue engaging the relevant South African authorities and to closely monitor the progress of the investigation until justice is served.

“We appeal to the South African authorities: Please do not allow this case to go cold. Do not allow another Nigerian life lost to violence to become another forgotten file. We expect accountability and justice.

“At this extremely painful moment, NICASA extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, his relatives, friends, church community, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the entire Nigerian community.

“We pray that Almighty God will grant the family strength, comfort and the fortitude to bear this devastating loss. May the soul of Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle rest in perfect peace.

“NICASA equally calls on all Nigerians and Nigerian community leaders across South Africa to remain calm, peaceful and strictly law-abiding. We must not take the law into our own hands or allow our grief and anger to lead to further violence.

“We will pursue justice through every legitimate and lawful channel available to us.

“NICASA will continue to engage the relevant authorities and will follow the investigation closely, because the pursuit of justice for Bishop Taiwo is a responsibility we must not abandon.”

He added, “Enough of the killings. Nigerian lives matter. Justice for Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle.” (Adapted from a report by The Nation)