From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announced on Wednesday night that Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, has died while being held by bandits.
A source informed the media that this tragic news surfaced late Wednesday, although details surrounding his death have not been disclosed.
Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed the heartbreaking loss, stating, “This is true, but it is sad for the church and his family.”
Venerable Achi, a native of Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, was abducted on the night of October 28, 2025, when armed bandits stormed his home in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna. His wife and daughter were also taken captive, with the kidnappers later demanding a ransom of 600 million Naira.
In a statement released by the church, the Diocese expressed “heavy hearts and deep sorrow,” confirming that “Venerable Edwin Achi, who was kidnapped alongside his wife on October 28, 2025, has been confirmed dead.” The statement also added, “We continue to pray for the release of his wife and daughter, who are still in the hands of the kidnappers.”
This grim development comes as Nigeria grapples with an unprecedented wave of insecurity. Earlier on Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on security, ordering the police and army to begin mass recruitment.
He also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in the forests.
“The agency also has my directive to recruit more personnel to patrol the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu stated
In a national address, urging all Nigerians to join the effort to secure the country. He called on the National Assembly to review legislation so that states wishing to establish their own police forces can do so.
The tragedy has attracted international attention to Nigeria’s security crisis, prompting opposition figures to demand more decisive government action.
While the nation mourns Venerable Achi, his family and the wider Christian community continue to hope for the safe return of his wife and daughter.
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