BREAKING: Kidnapped Kaduna Anglican Priest dies in captivity

Venerable Edwin Achi, the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero in Kaduna, has been confirmed dead while in the custody of his abductors.

IDOMA VOICE learnt of the development on Wednesday night through a source who declined to provide further details.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, also verified the incident, describing it as a devastating loss.

“This is true but sad to the church and his family,” he told newsmen.

Achi, his wife, and their daughter were seized on October 28, 2025, when armed bandits invaded their residence in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna. The family had only recently moved into the area before the attack.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N600 million. Achi, who hailed from Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, remained in captivity until his death.

The Anglican Diocese of Kaduna confirmed the tragedy in an official statement, expressing profound grief and calling for prayers for the immediate release of his wife and daughter.

“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announces the passing unto glory of The Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero.”

“Ven. Edwin Achi, who was kidnapped alongside his wife on 28th October, 2025, has been confirmed dead.

His transition is a painful loss to the entire Diocese, the clergy, the Church family, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry, humble spirit, and unwavering devotion to the service of God.

“We continue to pray for the release of his wife and daughter who are still in the hands of the kidnappers.”

The priest’s killing adds to the worsening security situation in the country, coming on the same day President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on security and ordered massive recruitment into the police and the military.

Tinubu further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy already-trained forest guards and hire additional personnel to target criminal hideouts.

“The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,”

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency… Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”

The President also urged the National Assembly to begin work on legislative amendments that would allow states seeking to establish state police to do so.

Nigeria continues to draw global concern as violent crimes including kidnappings and killings intensify across various regions, increasing pressure on the present administration.