Nigerian Bishop shot dead by gunmen
Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle has been reportedly killed by unknown gunmen in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle was allegedly shot dead at his residence on September 4, 2026, after reportedly receiving threats from his attackers.
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, disclosed the incident in a statement shared on his X account on Saturday while condemning the rising attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
According to Fani-Kayode, the attackers had allegedly issued threats before going to Fakunle’s home and shooting him.
The former minister described the killing as shocking and unacceptable, calling on the South African government to do more to protect Nigerians living in the country.
He said Fakunle was among two Nigerians reportedly killed in separate incidents in Johannesburg within a two-day period.
Fani-Kayode claimed that the bishop was the seventh Nigerian to be killed in South Africa this year, while another Nigerian, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, became the eighth following his reported death on September 5.
He further alleged that more than 100 Nigerian nationals had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and 2026, including Nigerians allegedly killed by members of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.
Fani-Kayode expressed concern that those responsible for the reported killings had not been brought to justice despite repeated concerns raised by Nigerian authorities.
He urged the South African government to investigate Fakunle’s death and prosecute those responsible.
The former minister also warned that continued attacks and discrimination against Nigerians could have consequences for relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
He called for stronger protection for Nigerians in South Africa and urged the authorities to act against individuals or groups threatening African nationals in the country.
