Popular bishop shot dead

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@yahoo.com

A Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Nigerian Citizens Association, South Africa (NICASA), which announced the incident yesterday, said Fakunle, an indigene of Ekiti State, was killed by two unidentified persons who gained access to his residence.

National President of NICASA, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the suspects opened fire on the bishop multiple times, reportedly firing more than seven bullets.

Onyekwelu said the association had formally notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg about the killing, while a murder case had been opened at the Jeppe Police Station.

He called on the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic authorities, to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

According to him, the killing was not only a devastating loss to Fakunle’s family but also a painful blow to the Nigerian community in South Africa.

“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.

“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,” Onyekwelu said.

NICASA expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the killing and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and transparent.

The association also appealed to Nigerian diplomatic representatives to closely monitor the investigation and support the deceased’s family and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.