The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has voiced profound shock and outrage over the brutal killings of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in South Africa.
​The violent incident occurred at approximately 8:30 PM on Thursday at a community location in Johannesburg. According to early reports, unidentified assailants targeted the victims in what local authorities are investigating as a deadly armed attack.
​Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle, a respected spiritual leader within the Nigerian diaspora, and Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, a prominent local business owner, were confirmed dead at the scene following the assault.
​In an official press statement released on Friday morning from Pretoria, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode condemned the murders, describing them as a tragic loss to both the Nigerian community and the wider African continent.
​”We are deeply saddened and outraged by the loss of Bishop Fakunle and Mr. Nwankwo,” said Chief Fani-Kayode. “These were upright, law-abiding individuals who contributed positively to their community. We demand a swift, thorough investigation from South African law enforcement to ensure those responsible are brought to justice immediately.”
​Addressing the media during a joint briefing at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria at 11:00 AM on Friday, High Commission Spokesperson Ambassador Jude Nwosu assured the public that diplomatic channels have been fully activated.
​”Our mission is in direct communication with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO),” Nwosu stated. “We are working closely with local authorities to establish the motives behind this senseless act and ensure the safety of all Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”
​Speaking on behalf of local law enforcement, SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that specialized crime investigation units have been deployed to lead the investigation.
​”Detectives are actively gathering evidence and following up on crucial leads from the scene in Johannesburg,” Brigadier Mathe reported during a press conference on Friday afternoon. “We appeal to anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.”
​The murders have sparked widespread concern among community members and diplomatic representatives, prompting calls for calm while police investigations continue. Further updates from the Nigerian High Commission and South African authorities are expected in the coming days.
