Nigerian bishop shot dead in South Africa

A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Fakunle, has been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa, in an attack that has triggered concern within the Nigerian community and renewed calls for stronger protection of Nigerians living in the country.

Fakunle was reportedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, after two suspects allegedly gained access to his residence and opened fire on him. Blueprint reports

The assailants reportedly shot the cleric more than seven times before fleeing the scene.

The incident was disclosed by the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) in a statement issued by its National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, on Thursday.

Bishop killed at Johannesburg residence

According to NICASA, the circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation, with the association calling on the South African authorities to establish exactly what led to the attack and identify those behind it.

The association said a murder case had already been opened at the Jeppe Police Station, while investigations were ongoing.

NICASA said it had also notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg about the incident and urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities to closely monitor the investigation.

The association’s account indicates that the bishop was attacked inside his residence in Kensington, a suburb of Johannesburg, where the two suspects allegedly gained entry before shooting him repeatedly.

The motive for the killing was not immediately disclosed, and there was no indication from the available reports that the assailants had been arrested.

NICASA demands thorough investigation

Reacting to the killing, NICASA called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, credible and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Fakunle’s death.

The association demanded that those responsible for the killing be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with South African law.

Onyekwelu said the Nigerian community could not afford to treat the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime as normal, stressing the need for authorities to take decisive steps to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.

NICASA also urged Nigerian diplomatic officials to maintain sustained engagement with South African authorities throughout the investigation and ensure that the case was not allowed to disappear without justice being served.

Community urged to remain calm

While expressing outrage over the killing, NICASA appealed to Nigerians and community leaders across South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding.

The association said justice should be pursued through lawful channels and warned against actions capable of escalating tensions within the Nigerian community or between Nigerians and their host communities.

NICASA further extended its condolences to Fakunle’s family, friends, church community, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.

The association described the death as another painful loss for Nigerians living in the country and stressed the importance of cooperation between community organisations, law enforcement agencies and Nigerian diplomatic representatives.

Renewed concerns over safety of Nigerians

The killing comes against the backdrop of a series of incidents involving the deaths of Nigerians in South Africa, prompting repeated calls from NICASA for investigations and greater protection of Nigerian nationals.

In July, the association condemned the death of another Nigerian, Chika Ibe, in Cape Town, alleging that he died after being subjected to severe beating, torture, inhumane treatment and alleged suffocation during a police operation. NICASA called for an independent investigation into that incident.

Earlier in February, the association also condemned the shooting death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, in Windsor, Randburg, Johannesburg. Uzor, an indigene of Enugu State, was reportedly shot dead in an incident that further heightened concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.

NICASA, which describes itself as the apex umbrella body for Nigerians living in South Africa, says part of its mandate is to protect the interests of Nigerians, promote unity and seek peaceful engagement with South African authorities and communities.

Investigation ongoing

For now, details about Bishop Fakunle’s background, his church affiliation and the possible motive for the attack remain limited in the public domain.

What is established, according to NICASA’s account, is that the 58-year-old cleric was killed at his Kensington residence on September 4 after two suspects allegedly gained access to the property and opened fire on him.

With a murder case now reportedly opened at Jeppe Police Station, attention is expected to remain on the South African authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing, apprehend the suspects and establish whether the attack was targeted or linked to another motive.

NICASA has meanwhile urged the authorities to ensure that the death of the Nigerian bishop does not become another unresolved case, insisting that his family, church and the Nigerian community deserve justice.