Abducted Kaduna Anglican Priest Reported Dead in Captivity

The Anglican community in Kaduna State has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Venerable Edwin Achi, a respected priest who was abducted alongside his wife and daughter. His passing was confirmed by the Anglican Diocese, which described the incident as a devastating blow to both the church and the wider Christian community in the region. According to the Diocese, Achi died while in the custody of his captors, marking yet another painful episode in the ongoing wave of insecurity affecting parts of northern Nigeria.

The cleric was taken hostage several days ago after armed men reportedly invaded his residence in Kaduna. His wife and daughter were also abducted during the attack, although the Diocese has not yet released full details concerning their current condition. Church officials, speaking on the situation, expressed deep sorrow at the news, saying that Venerable Achi’s death highlights the growing dangers faced by clergy and ordinary citizens in rural and urban communities across the state.

According to eyewitness reports from members of the local congregation, the priest had served faithfully for many years, earning a reputation for humility, dedication, and compassion. Many parishioners said he was a pillar of support for families grappling with hardship, describing him as a leader who often placed the welfare of others above his own.

Security analysts in Kaduna also reacted to the news, noting that the region has faced repeated incidents of kidnapping, bandit attacks, and targeted assaults on clergy. According to analysts, the killing of a religious leader underscores the urgent need for renewed security measures and coordinated action from both state and federal authorities.

The Diocese has appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining abducted family members and to bring those responsible to justice. The church further urged the government to address what it described as a worsening security environment that has left many communities vulnerable and fearful.

Venerable Edwin Achi’s death, reported by church authorities on Tuesday, has left a profound void in the Anglican community. Many of his colleagues and followers are calling for national attention to the human cost of insecurity, stressing that no family or institution is exempt from the escalating violence.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Diocese in the coming days as tributes continue to pour in for the late cleric.