Kaduna Diocese Confirms Death of Abducted Priest, Wife, Daughter Still Held

Kaduna Diocese Confirms Death of Abducted Priest, Wife, Daughter Still Held

Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna, has died while being held by his abductors, deepening concerns over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity crisis.

A reliable source confirmed the tragic development on Wednesday night, while Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, also verified the incident, describing it as “true but sad to the church and his family.”

Achi was abducted on October 28, 2025, alongside his wife and daughter when armed bandits stormed their residence in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna. The family had only recently relocated to the area before the attackers struck. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom of N600 million.

Originally from Umuaja in Ukwuani LGA of Delta State, the late priest served faithfully in the Kaduna Diocese until his abduction and subsequent death.

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In an official statement, the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna announced his passing:

“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announces the passing unto glory of The Venerable Edwin Achi… His transition is a painful loss to the entire Diocese, the clergy, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry and humble spirit.”

The Diocese added that Achi’s wife and daughter remain in captivity, urging continued prayers for their safe release.

His death comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with escalating kidnappings, banditry, and other violent crimes. Earlier on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide State of Emergency on Security, directing the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) to launch large-scale recruitment and deploy more personnel across troubled regions.

Tinubu also ordered the DSS to mobilise trained forest guards to flush out criminal hideouts, vowing that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

Calling for unity, the President urged citizens to support government efforts, while asking the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would enable willing states to establish state police.

Nigeria continues to attract global concern over rising abductions, killings, and the government’s struggle to stem the tide of violence, with opposition leaders intensifying criticism of the administration’s handling of security.

Kaduna Diocese Confirms Death of Abducted Priest, Wife, Daughter Still Held