The Anglican community in Kaduna State has been thrown into mourning following the confirmation that Reverend Edwin Achi, the priest overseeing Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, Chikun Local Government Area, has died while in the custody of his abductors.
Reverend Achi and his wife were seized from their residence in Nissi Village, a community close to the Kaduna Refinery, during a late-night invasion by armed bandits on October 28, 2025.
The attackers whisked the couple away to an undisclosed location, prompting days of anxiety for both family members and the church.
Not long after the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly reached out to the family, demanding a N600 million ransom as the condition for the couple’s release.
Despite negotiations and appeals, the cleric’s fate took a tragic turn.
The Anglican Diocese of Kaduna announced the priest’s death in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.
The Diocese described Reverend Achi as a devoted servant of the church whose ministry touched many lives across the state.
According to the statement, the “painful transition” of the priest has left the entire diocese, clergy, and congregation deeply shaken.
The church praised his humility, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to pastoral duty.
While confirming his death, church authorities expressed continued concern for his wife and daughter, who remain in captivity.
They called on security agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Meanwhile, prayers and solidarity messages have continued to pour in from members of the Anglican Communion and residents of Kaduna State, many of whom said the incident underscored the worsening security challenges confronting communities in the region.
The Diocese reiterated its appeal for divine intervention and urged government authorities to take urgent steps to curb the persistent threat posed by bandit groups operating within the state.
