A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has allegedly been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was reportedly killed on Friday.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, through its National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed the incident while speaking with newsmen.
Onyekwelu said the circumstances surrounding the bishop’s death had thrown his family, friends and members of the Nigerian community into grief.
He alleged that two suspects gained entry into Fakunle’s residence before opening fire on the cleric, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
Describing the incident as a “horrific and senseless act of violence,” the NICASA president condemned the killing and expressed concern over the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime in South Africa.
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“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.
He disclosed that NICASA had reported the incident to the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg.
According to him, a murder case has also been opened at the Jeppe Police Station, where investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death.
Onyekwelu urged the South African Police Service and other relevant authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
He also called for efforts to ensure that those responsible for the alleged killing are identified and brought to justice.