Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian community in South Africa is in mourning following the brutal murder of a beloved cleric and community leader, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, who was shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday, September 4, 2026. The 58-year-old bishop, a native of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was the founder of the Settled Word Leadership and Theological Seminary in South Africa. According to the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, the killing was carried out by two unidentified suspects who gained access to his home and opened fire on him, discharging more than seven bullets into his body before fleeing the scene. The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the motive for the killing and how the suspects gained entry into the residence, have not been disclosed by the authorities, and the investigation remains in its early stages.
Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, the National President of NICASA, disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, September 10, 2026, describing the killing as a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life. “According to the information available to NICASA, two suspects gained access to his residence and opened fire on him, reportedly discharging more than seven bullets,” Onyekwelu said. “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.” The association condemned what it described as a barbaric killing in the strongest possible terms, adding that 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,” the statement read.
NICASA said it had formally notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg and that a murder case had been opened at the Jeppe Police Station, where South African authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the cleric. The association called on the South African Police Service and every relevant government authority to pursue the 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,” Onyekwelu said. NICASA also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to continue engaging with relevant South African authorities and to closely monitor the progress of the investigation until justice is served. The association stressed the need for justice for Fakunle, his family and associates, while expressing concern over the safety of Nigerians living and carrying out legitimate activities in South Africa.
The killing has left the bishop’s family, friends and members of the Nigerian community devastated. Fakunle was a respected religious leader who had dedicated his life to training and mentoring others through his theological seminary. His death is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Nigerians in South Africa, a community that has endured years of xenophobic violence, targeted attacks and systemic neglect. While NICASA’s account did not establish that Fakunle was killed as a result of xenophobia, the incident adds to a growing list of violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa that have raised urgent questions about the protection of foreign nationals in the country. In recent months alone, NICASA has condemned the killings of other Nigerians, including Chika Ibe, who was allegedly beaten to death by South African police officers in July 2026. The pattern of violence has prompted repeated calls from Nigerian authorities and civil society organisations for stronger measures to protect Nigerian citizens in South Africa and for the South African government to hold perpetrators accountable.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official response to the killing. Oluwafemi Adeniyi, spokesperson for the ministry, promised to get back to reporters when contacted but did not as of the time of filing the report. The silence from Abuja stands in contrast to the urgent demands from NICASA and the Nigerian community in South Africa, who are calling for swift and decisive action from both the South African and Nigerian governments. The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has been notified of the incident and is expected to engage with South African authorities to ensure that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and that those responsible are brought to justice.
As the investigation into Fakunle’s murder continues, the Nigerian community in South Africa is left to grieve a leader whose life was cut short in a hail of bullets. His seminary, which was established to train the next generation of Christian leaders, stands as a testament to his vision and his commitment to service. The question that now confronts the Nigerian and South African governments is whether his death will be treated as another statistic in the grim tally of violence against foreigners, or whether it will serve as a catalyst for meaningful action to protect the lives and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa. For the family of Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, the answer to that question will determine whether justice is served or whether his blood will be added to the long list of lives lost to violence in a country where too many Nigerians have died and too few have received justice.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments