A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in Massachusetts, United States, Reverend Benjamin Okwy Madu, has died by suicide amid reports that he had expressed deep concerns about returning to Nigeria after the expiration of his religious worker visa.
Madu, aged 54, died on July 2 at his residence in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, according to the Archdiocese of Boston, where he served as a hospital chaplain and parish priest on Cape Ann since 2021.
Authorities in Essex County are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, with the Massachusetts State Police handling the case.
Officials said foul play was not suspected.
The priest’s religious worker visa was scheduled to expire on July 29, while his home Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State had directed him to return to Nigeria ahead of a new assignment expected to begin on August 4.
Reports indicated that Madu had repeatedly expressed fears about returning to Nigeria because of security concerns.
In a farewell message published on his parish website shortly before his death, he said his departure from the United States was due to circumstances beyond his control.
“Circumstances beyond my control have warranted that my time in the United States come to an end,” he wrote.
The Boston Globe reported that Madu experienced a panic attack while driving to celebrate Mass on the Sunday before his death and was later treated at a hospital emergency room.
Boston Archbishop Richard Henning informed fellow priests in an internal message that Madu had tragically taken his own life, although the Archdiocese of Boston’s public announcement did not disclose the cause of death.
The U.S.-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition said Madu experienced severe emotional distress over the prospect of returning to Nigeria, where it claimed Catholic clergy have faced increasing security threats, including kidnappings and killings.
The group also linked his situation to challenges surrounding visa renewal under current U.S. immigration policies, saying the circumstances contributed to the emotional pressure he faced.
Born on May 15, 1972, Madu was ordained a Catholic priest at St Theresa Cathedral, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
He was due to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination on July 7, just days after his death.
According to reports, parishioners had appealed to political leaders and other authorities in an effort to find a way for him to remain in the United States, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Archdiocese of Boston spokesperson Terrence Donilon said there was no available option to extend Madu’s visa under existing immigration policies affecting Nigeria.
The case remained under investigation as members of the Catholic community mourn the death of a priest described by colleagues and parishioners as dedicated to his pastoral duties.
