Nigerian Bishop Assassinated Amid Rising Violence in South Africa

On 4 September 2026, Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle was assassinated by unknown gunmen at his home in Johannesburg after receiving threats. This incident was followed by the death of Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who reportedly died from "gruesome interrogation techniques" employed by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, stated that Fakunle and Nwankwo were the seventh and eighth Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026, with four of these deaths allegedly involving SAPS officers. He noted that over 100 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa from 2022 to 2026, with more than 30 deaths attributed to police and military forces.

Fani-Kayode criticized the lack of arrests or prosecutions for these crimes and urged the South African Government to enhance protections for Nigerians. He emphasized Nigeria's obligation under international human rights law to protect its citizens abroad and to seek justice for violations of their rights.